MSEDCL Issues Metering Guidelines for LT and HT Consumers Under MERC Green Energy Open Access Regulations

The Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Ltd.(MSEDCL) has issued a new circular detailing metering guidelines for Low Tension (LT) consumers seeking Green Energy Open Access (GEOA).

The directive follows the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission’s (MERC) Distribution Open Access (Second Amendment) Regulations, 2023, which were notified on November 10, 2023.

According to the amended regulation, the first proviso to the principal regulation states, “Provided further that Green Energy Open Access to Consumer with Contract Demand lower than 1 MW shall be allowed based on Special Energy Meter for all High Tension Consumers and ToD (Time of Day) meter for all eligible Low Tension Consumers.” The MSEDCL circular has been issued to ensure uniformity in field-level implementation of these provisions.

The guidelines specify that all LT consumers opting for Green Energy Open Access must install Four Quadrant Bidirectional Smart LT-ToD meters capable of recording both import and export of energy. These meters will be supplied through the Advanced Metering Infrastructure Service Provider (AM ISP), in line with the existing practice for LT consumers.

Consumers seeking open access will be required to bear the cost of installing both the main meter and a check meter, as per the approved Schedule of Charges for Metering under MERC’s order in  2024. The circular further clarifies that two separate energy meters, a main meter and a check meter, are mandatory, in line with the Central Electricity Authority’s Installation and Operation of Meters Regulations, 2006 (as amended).

The approval of meter specifications will be handled by the Superintending Engineer (O&M) in consultation with the Superintending Engineer (TQA), following MSEDCL’s standard procedures. The utility has confirmed that the circular will take effect immediately from the date of issuance and is available on the company’s website.