The Tamil Nadu Electricity Regulatory Commission (TNERC) has instructed the state power utility TANGEDCO not to proceed with the technical feasibility assessment for solar rooftop proposals of up to 10 kilowatts.

In an order dated May 23, the regulatory commission in the state directed the Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (TANGEDCO) to grant exemptions to consumers utilising solar rooftops of up to 10 kilowatts, in accordance with Rule 7(A) of the Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Amendment Rules, 2004.

The directive from TNERC came in response to TANGEDCO's earlier decision to only exempt solar rooftops with a capacity of up to 3 kilowatts.

The need for this directive arose due to complaints from numerous households regarding delays in the installation of rooftop solar systems by TANGEDCO.

Furthermore, the regulatory commission instructed TANGEDCO to delegate the authority to approve Grid Interactive Solar Photovoltaic Power Systems with a capacity of up to 10 kW to lower-level field officers.

While TANGEDCO is tasked with conducting the feasibility study and providing a report within two weeks for solar rooftop projects in households, consumers have expressed frustration over significant delays.

Meenakshi Sundaram, a retired college professor who intended to install an 8 kW solar rooftop connection, lamented the prolonged delay from TANGEDCO, echoing the sentiments of numerous other consumers.