UPERC Implements New Regulations to Expedite Rooftop Solar Installations in UP

The Uttar Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (UPERC) has revised regulations to streamline the process of applying for and installing rooftop solar systems in Uttar Pradesh.

Under the new rules, the commission mandates that the technical feasibility study for rooftop solar photovoltaic systems must be completed within 15 days. If the outcome of the study is not communicated to the applicant within this timeframe, it will be assumed that the proposal is technically feasible. 

Additionally, the commission has decreed that applications for rooftop solar systems with a capacity of up to 10 kW, provided they are complete in all aspects, will be automatically accepted without necessitating a technical feasibility study. 

As per the revised regulations, any necessary adjustment to the consumer's sanctioned load will be facilitated by the distribution licensee. 

Notably, the amendments are issued by UPERC in response to an earlier request from Uttar Pradesh New and Renewable Energy Development Agency (UPNEDA). The amendments are aligned with the provisions outlined in the Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Amendment Rules, 2024, as notified by the Central Government.

Previously, the Commission had enacted the UPERC (Rooftop Solar PV Grid Interactive Systems Gross / Net Metering) Regulations in 2019 to govern the sector. However, following the introduction of the PM Surya Ghar scheme, numerous states have implemented new regulations to accelerate rooftop solar installations. Uttar Pradesh has now joined this trend by introducing its own set of updated rules. 

As per UPNEDA, the state of Uttar Pradesh has 855 approved solar rooftop firms within its boundaries.UP has set an ambitious target in its ‘Solar State Energy Policy 2022’ of achieving 22GW of solar capacity by 2026-2027. The state has so far commissioned over 2900 MW solar power capacity in all forms.