RERC Proposes Key Amendments to Enable Virtual and Group Net Metering in Rajasthan

The Rajasthan Electricity Regulatory Commission (RERC) has invited public comments on a petition seeking key amendments to the state’s renewable energy regulations to enable the implementation of Virtual Net Metering (VNM) and Group Net Metering (GNM).

The petition, filed by Jaipur Vidyut Vitran Nigam Ltd.(JVVNL) on behalf of all state power distribution companies, JVVNL, Ajmer Vidyut Vitran Nigam Ltd. (AVVNL), and Jodhpur Vidyut Vitran Nigam Ltd. (JdVVNL), seeks modifications to the RERC (Grid Interactive Distributed Renewable Energy Generating Systems) Regulations, 2021. The proposed changes fall under Sections 86(1) and 181 of the Electricity Act, 2003, and Regulations 20, 21, and 22 of the RERC DREGS framework.

According to the petitioners, the amendments are necessary to align with the central government’s PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, launched on February 29, 2024. The nationwide scheme aims to equip one crore households with rooftop solar installations and offers two implementation pathways, the Renewable Energy Service Company (RESCO) model and the Utility Led Aggregation (ULA) model. While Rajasthan’s existing regulations already account for the RESCO model, the petition argues that the absence of provisions for VNM and GNM restricts the deployment of the ULA model, particularly for residential clusters lacking individual rooftop access.

VNM and GNM allow for shared access to electricity generated from a single solar plant, making solar adoption feasible for apartment complexes, group housing societies, and other collective consumer categories. The DISCOMs contend that integrating these models will expand the reach of rooftop solar and accelerate Rajasthan’s clean energy transition.

The petition also references similar regulatory developments in other states, including Delhi, Odisha, Maharashtra, and Assam, where respective electricity regulatory commissions have already adopted frameworks for VNM and GNM.

RERC, in compliance with the Electricity (Procedure for Previous Publication) Rules, 2005, under Section 181(3) of the Electricity Act, has initiated a public consultation process. Comments and suggestions on the proposed amendments are invited from stakeholders and any persons likely to be affected till 16th June 2025.