Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission Introduces P2P Energy Transaction Guidelines, 2024

The Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC) has announced the release of the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (Peer to Peer Energy Transaction) Guidelines, 2024. 

These new guidelines aim to enable prosumers and eligible consumers to sell and purchase electricity securely and reliably through peer-to-peer (P2P) transactions. This initiative is set to promote the use of renewable energy, enhance embedded generation within the distribution network, and create additional income opportunities for prosumers through innovative technologies.

The guidelines apply to prosumers, excluding ground-mounted projects, and consumers who choose to engage in energy transactions via an online platform provided by service providers or a distribution licensee within the supply area. Under the new rules, the sanctioned load or contract demand for both prosumers and consumers participating in the P2P metering arrangement must not exceed 200 kW or equivalent kVA. Additionally, the capacity of the renewable energy system installed at the prosumer’s end for P2P transactions is capped at 500 percent of the sanctioned load.

Participants in the P2P energy transactions can benefit from one of the three available metering arrangements: Virtual Net Metering, Group Net Metering, or P2P Metering Arrangement. However, they can only utilise one arrangement at a time and are allowed to switch between these metering options once every financial year. Renewable energy systems or battery energy storage systems (BESS) charged through renewable energy will be governed by the DERC (Net Metering) Regulations, 2014, and must comply with the prescribed standards and technical specifications.

To avail of P2P transaction services, prosumers and consumers must have a Time of Day (ToD) compliant energy meter or a smart meter installed. Those already registered under net metering, group net metering, or virtual net metering schemes need to submit basic information to the distribution licensee or service provider for registration. The distribution licensee will then check the network compatibility for connectivity within 15 days of receiving the registration form.

Participants are required to submit their energy transaction schedules at least eight time blocks before the commencement of supply. Prosumers engaging in P2P transactions are restricted to transacting energy not exceeding 20 percent of the installed capacity of their renewable energy systems per day. Any billing disputes will be referred to the corresponding Consumer Grievance Redressal Forum (CGRF) and addressed according to the DERC (Forum for Redressal of Grievances of the Consumers and Ombudsman) Regulations, 2018.

Moreover, Delhi DISCOMs are required to file a petition under the new guidelines for determining transaction charges for enabling peer-to-peer transactions.