A complete reference for consumers, vendors, and installers under the RERC Grid Interactive Distributed Renewable Energy Generating Systems Regulations 2021 (Third Amendment 2025) — applicable to Jaipur Discom (JVVNL) and Jodhpur Discom (JdVVNL).
Existing Net Metering connections under the 2015 Regulations shall continue under the 2015 framework for the duration of their connection agreement. Switchover to Net Billing or GNM/VNM is allowed only after terminating the existing connection agreement.
A consumer on Net Metering cannot move to Net Billing, GNM, or VNM without first terminating the existing connection agreement. A Net Billing prosumer cannot avail VNM or GNM.
Government connections may be permitted conditional participation even with pending arrears, subject to conditions set by the Discom. Government connections under VNM/GNM (self-owned or RESCO) are also exempt from Cross Subsidy Surcharge and Additional Surcharge.
Schools/colleges recognized by GoI/GoR under Net Metering may opt for Net Billing during any two months of a financial year, subject to prior intimation to the Discom before the commencement of such period.
| Parameter | Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Individual Consumer — Maximum RE Capacity | 100% of Sanctioned Load or Contract Demand | Must also conform to RERC Supply Code 2021 |
| Minimum RE Capacity | > 1 kW | Applies to all arrangements (NM, NB, GNM, VNM) |
| Maximum per arrangement (NM / NB / GNM / VNM) | Up to 1 MW | Above 1 MW: governed by RERC Tariff Regulations 2020 |
| GNM / VNM — Cumulative Capacity | ≤ 100% of total sanctioned load of all participating connections | Each connection's eligible load = its own sanctioned load |
| Distribution Transformer Limit | Cumulative RE on a DT ≤ 80% of DT capacity | Exception: HT consumers who installed DT themselves (no 80% cap) |
| HT Consumers (≥11 kV) | May connect RE at LT Bus Bar System | Net Meter / RE Generation Meter must be on HT side of consumer's transformer |
| DC Capacity | No restriction on DC capacity (modules) | Only AC inverter output capacity is regulated |
| Peak AC Capacity (Inverter) | Must not exceed contracted AC capacity | Excess AC generation in any 15/30-min block lapses (NM/NB) or treated as deemed drawl (behind-meter) |
| Behind-Meter Systems (not opting NM/NB) | Max 100% of Contract Demand (AC side) | No energy to be injected into grid; inadvertent injection is penalized |
| Co-located Captive Plants (up to 1 MW) | May opt these Regulations OR RERC Tariff Regulations 2020 | Option once exercised cannot be changed |
These consumers have a choice: avail VNM/GNM under these Regulations, OR opt for Green Energy Open Access under RERC Green Energy Open Access Regulations 2025. Both cannot be availed simultaneously.
Fill the prescribed application form (Annexure II for NM/NB; Annexure IV-C1 for VNM; Annexure IV-C3 for GNM) along with required documents. For VNM — also include a signed sharing agreement (MoU) on stamp paper from all participating consumers.
Documents required: Latest paid electricity bill copy · Technical specs of RE system & inverter · Proof of payment of registration fee · General Power of Attorney / Board Resolution (for firms/companies) · ID proofs of all consumers (PAN / Aadhaar / EPIC).
Submit through the Discom's web portal / mobile app or manually at the designated Discom office. The Discom will acknowledge receipt and assign a unique registration number for online tracking.
Mandatory: provide e-mail address and mobile number. All subsequent correspondence happens via email/SMS.
The Discom evaluates whether the local distribution infrastructure can support your RE system.
Special Rule — Domestic ≤ 10 kW (NM/VNM/GNM only): Applications for domestic consumers up to 10 kW are deemed accepted without requiring a formal feasibility study. Sanctioned load enhancement, if needed, is carried out by the Discom automatically.
If feasibility is confirmed, the Discom issues an LoA via email/SMS/post. This is the official green light to begin installation.
If deficiencies are found, you have 15 days to resolve them and notify the Discom. Failure to resolve = application cancelled (can re-apply after fixing).
Install within 180 days of receiving the LoA. The installation must comply with all technical standards (CEA, RERC, IEC standards). Equipment should be pre-tested by the supplier with test certificates provided.
Consumer is responsible for the system up to the Interconnection Point; Discom takes over responsibility beyond that (including meters).
After installation is complete, submit the installation certificate to the Discom in the prescribed format available on the Discom's web portal.
Within 15 days of receiving the installation certificate, the Discom completes:
① Signing of the Connection Agreement (25-year term) · ② Installation and sealing of Net Meter / RE Generation Meter (jointly with consumer) · ③ Commissioning of the RE system
Tip: Consumers may purchase their own meter, which will then be tested and installed by the Discom.
Your RE system is now grid-connected. Meter readings are taken monthly as per the regular billing cycle. The Discom's bill will separately show: generation recorded, units consumed, billing credit, and RPO generation units used.
Connectivity to consumer/system must be granted by the Discom within 30 days from the date on which the consumer/system is declared (or deemed) technically feasible.
| Connection Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| LT Single Phase | ₹ 200 |
| LT Three Phase | ₹ 500 |
| HT — 11 kV | ₹ 1,000 |
| HT — 33 kV | ₹ 2,000 |
| EHT — 132 kV and above | ₹ 5,000 |
| Consumer Category | Self-Owned | RESCO-Owned |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic | ₹ 100/kW | ₹ 200/kW (double) |
| Non-Domestic & Others | ₹ 200/kW | ₹ 400/kW (double) |
| Security deposit bears no interest. | ||
Until the State Government's target of 5 lakh rooftop solar installations is achieved, the following are waived for domestic consumers under NM, VNM, and GNM: ① Application/Registration Fee · ② Security Deposit · ③ Meter Testing Charges · ④ Requirement of execution of Connection Agreement (NM only). Check with the Discom for current waiver status.
The consumer may purchase the requisite meter themselves (from the market), but it must be tested and installed by the Discom. All meters must comply with CEA (Installation and Operation of Meters) Regulations 2006. Meters must be installed where Discom personnel can access them easily 24×7.
Consumer must report meter failure to Discom in the specified format. During defect period: readings from Check Meter are used. If both Main and Check Meters are defective: provisions of the Electricity Supply Code apply for estimated billing.
* TPPA (₹3.80) = Competitive bid tariff + 40% incentive, fixed for 25 years. Actual tariff varies by FY bidding results.
| Scenario | Domestic Consumer | Non-Domestic Consumer |
|---|---|---|
| Export > Import in billing period | Surplus purchased at competitive bid tariff (≥5MW solar) + 25%. Credit adjusted in next billing cycle. | Surplus lapses — no payment, no carry-forward |
| Import > Export in billing period | Net imported units billed at retail tariff. Billing slab based on total consumption from all sources (grid + solar). | |
| Unadjusted credits at year-end (31 March) | Paid in cash by Discom within 1st month of next FY, at same rate (+25% above bid tariff) | Lapse — no payment |
* Billing slab determined by total 300 units (not just 50 net units). If export had exceeded import, surplus credit would carry forward.
Surplus solar generation in any ToD time block (peak/off-peak) is first adjusted against the same time block. Any remaining surplus is treated as if it occurred in the off-peak block. Settlement of excess goes from lowest to highest ToD tariff block.
Any billing credit remaining at the end of the settlement period (March 31) is paid by the Discom to the consumer in cash, latest by the 15th of May of the next financial year. If a consumer leaves the system, the available billing credit lapses.
For all RE consumers, the Discom's bill must separately itemize: (a) RE generation meter reading with opening/closing balance (b) Units consumed with opening/closing balance (c) Billing credit with opening/closing balance (d) Generation units used by Discom for RPO compliance.
| Arrangement & Ownership | Banking Charges | Wheeling Charges & Losses | Transmission Charges | Cross Subsidy Surcharge (CSS) | Additional Surcharge |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NM — Self-Owned (all categories) | Exempt | Exempt | — | Exempt | Exempt |
| NM — RESCO-Owned (Domestic) | Exempt | Exempt | — | Exempt | Exempt |
| NM — RESCO-Owned (Non-Domestic) | Exempt | Exempt | — | 50% of Open Access CSS rate | 50% of Open Access rate (min ₹1.25/kWh) |
| Net Billing — Self or RESCO (all) | Exempt | Exempt | — | Exempt | Exempt |
| GNM/VNM — Domestic (Self or RESCO) | Exempt | Exempt | Exempt (incl. losses) | Exempt | Exempt |
| GNM/VNM — Non-Domestic, Self-Owned (same premises) | Exempt | Exempt | Exempt (incl. losses) | Exempt | Exempt |
| GNM/VNM — Non-Domestic, Self-Owned (other location) | Exempt | 11kV wheeling charges + losses apply | Exempt (incl. losses) | Exempt | Exempt |
| GNM/VNM — Non-Domestic, RESCO-Owned (on premises) | Exempt | Exempt | Exempt (incl. losses) | 50% of Open Access CSS | 50% rate (min ₹1.25/kWh) |
| GNM/VNM — Non-Domestic, RESCO-Owned (other location) | Exempt | 11kV wheeling + losses apply | Exempt (incl. losses) | 50% of Open Access CSS | 50% rate (min ₹1.25/kWh) |
| Government connections (VNM/GNM — any model) | Exempt | Exempt | Exempt | Exempt | Exempt |
Systems with Battery Energy Storage: · BESS capacity ≥ 5% of solar → 75% waiver on wheeling charges · Each 1% BESS beyond 5% → additional 1% waiver (up to 30% BESS) · BESS capacity ≥ 30% of solar → 100% waiver on wheeling charges. Applies to both self-owned and RESCO-owned systems.
RERC may periodically stipulate Parallel Operation Charges for NM, GNM, and VNM consumers (to cover balancing/banking/wheeling costs net of RPO benefits). These do NOT apply to Net Billing consumers. Systems behind the consumer's meter are also subject to these charges.
All CDM benefits arising from RE generation are retained by the Discom. However, the entire CDM benefit must be passed on to consumers through the Annual Revenue Requirement (ARR).
A Renewable Energy Service Company (RESCO) is a third-party entity that owns and operates the RE system on the consumer's premises (or elsewhere) and provides solar energy to the consumer under a commercial arrangement. The Discom itself may also act as a RESCO (treated as its other business).
An eligible consumer may lease their rooftop space, land, or water bodies to a RESCO for setting up the RE system. For VNM: any land owner (even non-consumer) may lease space to a RESCO or Utility-Led Aggregator. The Discom has no role in the commercial lease arrangement between RESCO and site owner.
| Parameter | Standard/Reference | Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Inverter Efficiency & Testing | IEC 61683 / IS 61683 | Compliance required for efficiency and measurements |
| Environmental Testing | IEC 60068-2 (1,2,14,30) | Cold, dry heat, temperature change, damp heat tests |
| Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) | IEEE 519 / CEA 2013 | Individual harmonics < 3%; THD (voltage & current) < 5% |
| Voltage Operating Window | CEA Connectivity Regulations 2013 | 80% – 110% of nominal. Must isolate within 2 seconds. |
| Frequency Trip | CEA Connectivity Regulations 2013 | Trip within 0.2s if freq goes above 50.5 Hz or below 47.5 Hz |
| Synchronization | CEA Connectivity Regulations 2013 | Must not cause voltage fluctuation > ±5% at interconnection point |
| DC Injection | CEA Connectivity Regulations 2013 | < 0.5% of full rated output or < 1% of rated inverter current |
| Power Factor | CEA Connectivity Regulations 2013 | When output > 50%: lagging power factor > 0.9 |
| Anti-Islanding | IEC 62116 | Must detect islanding and disconnect; IEC-62116 tests required |
| Short-term Flicker (Pst) | IEC 61000 / CEA 2013 | ≤ 1 (over 10-minute window) |
| Long-term Flicker (Plt) | IEC 61000 / CEA 2013 | ≤ 0.65 (over ~2-hour window) |
| Power Quality (output) | EN 50160, Discom standards | Tests required at commissioning; inverter must filter harmonics |
| Paralleling Device | CEA Connectivity Regulations 2013 | Must withstand 220% of normal voltage at interconnection point |
| Overload / Overheat | CEA Connectivity Regulations 2013 | Auto shut-off on overload or overheat; auto-restart when normal |
| Manual Isolating Switch | Discom requirement | Visible open/close indication; lockable open; accessible 24×7 to Discom |
| AMI on Meters | CEA Meters Regulations 2006 | RS-485 or higher communication port mandatory on all meters |
If you installed a Solar Rooftop PV system behind your meter without opting for Net Metering, you must submit the intimation form (Annexure-V) to the Discom. Failure to do so results in retroactive fixed charges. DC capacity is unrestricted — only the AC inverter output is regulated.
| Agreement Type | Parties | Stamp Paper | Duration | Termination |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net Billing Agreement (Annexure IV-A) | Consumer + Discom | Standard | 25 years | Mutual consent |
| Net Metering Agreement (Annexure IV-B) | Consumer + Discom | Standard | 25 years (or as per pre-2021 agreement) | Mutual consent |
| VNM — CAPEX Agreement (Annexure IV-D, B.1) | Eligible Consumers + Discom | Rs. 100/- non-judicial, notarized | 25 years or license validity | 90-day notice by any party (to Lead Consumer) |
| VNM — RESCO Agreement (Annexure IV-D, B.1 RESCO) | RESCO + Discom + Consumers | Rs. 100/- non-judicial, notarized | 25 years or license validity | 90-day notice by any party (to RESCO + Lead Consumer) |
| GNM — CAPEX Agreement (Annexure IV-D-1) | Consumer (Parent) + Discom | Rs. 100/- non-judicial, notarized | 25 years or license validity | 90-day notice (to Parent Consumer) |
| GNM — RESCO Agreement (Annexure IV-D-1 RESCO) | RESCO + Discom + Consumer | Rs. 100/- non-judicial, notarized | 25 years or license validity | 90-day notice by any party |
| Milestone | Deadline | Consequence if Missed |
|---|---|---|
| Technical feasibility study (general) | 15 days from ack. | Deemed feasible |
| Technical feasibility (VNM/GNM — new consumers) | 30 days from ack. | Deemed feasible |
| Issue Letter of Approval (LoA) | 30 days from ack. | Discom in default |
| Intimation of deficiencies to applicant | 20 working days | — |
| Consumer to resolve deficiencies | 15 days from deficiency notice | Application cancelled |
| Consumer to install RE system after LoA | 180 days | LoA deemed cancelled; re-apply |
| Discom to commission system after installation certificate | 15 days | Discom in breach |
| VNM/GNM: Connectivity after feasibility | 30 days | Discom in breach |
| Discom pays year-end billing credit (Net Billing) | 15th May of next FY | Discom in default |
| Discom pays year-end NM domestic credit | First month of next FY | Discom in default |
| Existing behind-meter consumer intimation | 3 months from notification | Retroactive fixed charges |
| Change sharing ratio (GNM/VNM) — advance notice | 2 months before FY start | Change not processed |
| Priority list change for GNM | Once per FY, 2-month advance notice | Change not processed |
| Agreement termination notice (VNM/GNM) | 90 days prior notice | Agreement continues |