Source：solarquarter

A draft memorandum has been issued in connection with the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, which highlights the implementation guidelines for the Grid-Connected Rooftop scheme, dated June 7, 2024. These guidelines were issued by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) and circulated to all Discoms in Rajasthan. The state DISCOMs have been appointed as the state implementation agencies, responsible for ensuring the effective implementation of the scheme.

To streamline the activities and provide a uniform experience for beneficiaries who have applied under the scheme, specific directions are being issued. The Discoms have designated TA and SE (O&M) as the nodal officers at the circle level. At the division and subdivision levels, the Executive Engineer (O&M) and Assistant Engineer (O&M) will serve as nodal officers to assist consumers and vendors, addressing any queries or issues related to rooftop solar installations. All fees related to rooftop solar installations, such as application fees, solar security, load enhancement charges, and meter testing charges, may be accepted along with demand note charges.

For load enhancements of up to 10 kilowatts in the same phase, the process will be given priority on the NCMS portal by the subdivision officer, while the assistant revenue officer will generate a provisional bill for the extended load on the same day. In areas where smart meters have already been installed, they will be used as net meters for the rooftop solar connection. If smart meters are not installed, consumers will need to purchase the net meters and solar meters themselves. After the meters are deposited at the subdivision, they will be sent to the testing lab within three days, and the testing process will be completed within four days.

The inspection, installation, and commissioning of net meters will be completed within four days of submitting the project completion report. A duly signed net metering agreement for up to 10 kilowatts must be submitted after the demand note is deposited and before the inspection is conducted, without requiring the consumer’s presence at the subdivision office. However, physical verification of the consumer will be carried out during the meter installation, and a copy of the net metering agreement will be handed over to the consumer at the same time.

Circle SEs will hold monthly interactions with active empanelled vendors within their jurisdiction to resolve major issues. Additionally, the circle SEs will provide a WhatsApp number to ensure quick and efficient grievance resolution. For load enhancement, net metering applications, and grid synchronization, specific documents will be required from vendors or applicants to ensure the process is executed smoothly.