The Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) has introduced virtual net metering in its Grid Interactive Rooftop Renewable Energy Generating System (Second Amendment) Regulations, 2024. This move will benefit residents of multistorey buildings who face challenges installing rooftop solar in shared spaces.
To encourage early adoption, MERC has exempted Open Access Charges and Losses for virtual net metering installations until the rooftop solar capacity reaches 5,000 MW. Post that, new installations using the wheeling facility will incur these charges.
The Commission has also clarified that multiple residents within the same housing complex cannot jointly set up a renewable energy system. Other consumer groups must use net metering, group metering, or green energy open access.
Additionally, MERC redefined the term "renewable energy meter" as "renewable energy generation meter" in the updated draft regulations.
MERC may also introduce time-of-the-day tariffs to incentivize prosumers to install energy storage systems for efficient use of stored solar energy during peak demand
