In the initial phase, the group and virtual net metering framework will be made available for government entities.
The Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC) has issued draft guidelines for implementation of group net metering and virtual net metering framework under the Delhi Solar Policy 2016.
The Commission has invited comments, suggestions and objections on the draft guidelines. Stakeholders are asked to forward the same personally or by post or through email to the Secretary DERC latest by January 10, 2019.
The Committee, which was constituted for development of framework for group net-metering and virtual net-metering framework, has also submitted its report.
Purpose of group net-metering and virtual net metering
The purpose of this group net-metering is to help maximize the utilization of rooftop space for solar energy generation for consumers with multiple buildings and service connections, as stated by the draft.
Virtual net metering will be an arrangement to give access to the solar net metering facility for consumers who do not have a suitable roof for installing a solar system. Under the guidelines, such consumers can be beneficial owners of a part of a collectively owned solar system.
All energy produced by such a solar system will be fed into the grid through an energy meter. The exported energy as recorded by that meter will then be credited to the electricity bill of each participating consumer based on beneficial ownership.
To begin with government entities
In the initial phase, the group and virtual net-metering framework will be made available for government entities. It may be extended for other consumers of Delhi as per the directions or orders of the Commission from time to time.
The Annual settlement rate will be governed as per the provisions of DERC (Net Metering for Renewable Energy) Regulations, 2014.
For group or virtual net-metering, consumers must apply to the distribution company (DISCOM) with a fee of ₹1,000 (~$14).
Smart meters will be installed at the generation point and the cost will be borne by the DISCOMs.
Under group or virtual net metering, The DISCOM will show, separately, the energy units exported, the energy units imported, the net energy units billed, and the energy units carried forward (if any) to the consumer in their bill for the respective billing period of the consumers.
At the end of each financial year, any net energy credits, which remain unadjusted, will be paid by the DISCOM to the consumer as per the rates fixed by DERC.
The draft guidelines along with report of the Joint Committee are now available on the website of the Commission i.e. www.derc.gov.in.
