The Assam Electricity Regulatory Commission (AERC) has directed Assam Power Distribution Company Limited (APDCL) to continue processing rooftop solar applications under the existing net-metering regulations. The Commission has not approved APDCL’s proposal to immediately limit net-metering benefits or stop payments for surplus solar electricity exported to the grid.
APDCL had approached AERC seeking changes to the state’s Grid Interactive Solar PV Systems Regulations. Among its proposals was a limit on rooftop solar capacity to 100% of the consumer’s connected load or contract demand, whichever is lower, for both low-tension and high-tension consumers.
The utility also proposed restricting net-metering benefits to residential consumers with systems up to 10 kWp and ending payments for surplus electricity remaining after the annual settlement period. APDCL suggested that such excess generation should be treated as “inadvertent injection” without financial compensation.
APDCL estimated that the existing framework was creating an annual financial impact of around ₹88.98 crore. It reported ₹84.05 lakh in payments to 6,707 households during FY 2024–25 and estimated ₹7.35 crore in payments for more than 1 lakh rooftop solar installations during FY 2025–26. The utility also calculated unit-adjustment losses of around ₹71.62 crore.
However, AERC found that APDCL’s financial assessment did not provide a complete picture. During the July 28, 2026 hearing, the Commission noted that the analysis did not sufficiently account for factors such as varying electricity procurement costs, savings from daytime solar generation and avoided purchases during peak-demand periods.
The Commission said that any decision to reduce rooftop solar capacity limits or discontinue compensation for surplus electricity must be supported by a transparent and comprehensive cost-benefit analysis.
In its interim order dated August 5, 2026, AERC directed APDCL to continue processing rooftop solar applications according to the Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules, 2020, existing AERC regulations and applicable government schemes, including PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana.
APDCL has also been instructed not to delay, reject or keep rooftop solar applications pending because of the ongoing regulatory petition. It cannot request additional documents or impose technical requirements that are not permitted under the existing rules.
AERC further directed APDCL to implement deemed acceptance and automatic load enhancement for rooftop solar systems up to 10 kW.
The Commission has asked APDCL to submit a revised financial impact assessment, an evaluation of the operational impact of Peer-to-Peer Energy Trading, and a compliance report by August 26, 2026. The matter will be reviewed further after these submissions.
Key takeaway: The interim decision provides continued regulatory support for rooftop solar adoption in Assam while AERC examines APDCL’s concerns regarding the financial and operational impact of the existing net-metering framework.
