The Tamil Nadu Electricity Regulatory Commission (TNERC) has published a draft of the Grid Interactive Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Energy Generating Systems Regulations, 2024. These regulations aim to streamline the integration of solar PV systems into the grid and provide clarity on regulatory practices. They are designed to replace the existing 2021 regulations, taking into account feedback, technological advancements, and evolving guidelines from the Ministry of Power.

Under the draft regulations, domestic consumers can choose between net metering, net billing, or feed-in arrangements. Imported energy will be charged at retail rates, while exported solar energy will receive credits at feed-in tariffs established by TNERC. Larger systems will adopt a gross metering mechanism, allowing eligible consumers and generators to sell their entire solar generation to the distribution licensee at specified tariffs.

Furthermore, the regulations introduce group net metering, enabling surplus solar energy to be adjusted across multiple service connections of the same consumer within the licensee?s supply area. Virtual metering is also permitted for distribution licensees, government bodies, and local authorities, provided the systems exceed 5 kW. This allows solar generation to offset consumption in subsidised consumer categories or across their service connections.

Once approved, these regulations will apply universally to electricity consumers, distribution licensees, government bodies, and solar PV system generators in Tamil Nadu. Eligible consumers include domestic users, places of worship, and service connections in multi-tenant buildings used for communal purposes.

TNERC has also proposed new registration fees based on the capacity of the solar PV systems, categorised into low-tension (LT) and high-tension (HT) connections. For instance, LT connections face a Rs 500 fee for systems up to 20 kW, with additional charges for larger capacities. HT connections see higher fees, scaling with system capacity.

To facilitate operational flexibility, domestic consumers can switch between net metering and net feed-in options twice annually. Meanwhile, net billing or net feed-in is available to all consumer categories except huts and agricultural services. Gross metering is open to new and existing consumers for systems exceeding 150 kW up to 999 kW, excluding certain low-tension categories.

The regulations also mandate a web-based application process to streamline approvals, establish timelines for technical feasibility studies and commissioning, and ensure compliance with Renewable Purchase Obligations (RPO). Network and wheeling charges apply to most metering mechanisms, with exemptions or concessions determined by TNERC.

Public and stakeholder feedback on the draft regulations is invited until July 15, 2024. Earlier this year, TNERC introduced regulations for wind and solar generation forecasting, scheduling, and deviation settlement, further enhancing regulatory clarity in the renewable energy sector.

(Source: Mercom)