ROOFTOP SOLAR SCHEME
1. Context
The Ministry of Power has notified amendments to the Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules, 2020, to accelerate the installation of rooftop solar projects and empower consumers – with provisions on connections in residential societies and solving complaints on meter readings
2.Rooftop Solar Scheme
The Rooftop Solar Scheme, also known as the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, is a government initiative in India that aims to promote the installation of solar panels on rooftops of residential buildings. The scheme's objectives include:
- The scheme aims to provide up to 300 units of free electricity per month to one crore (ten million) households.
- By generating their own solar power, households can reduce their dependence on the grid and save on electricity bills.
- Solar power is a clean and renewable energy source that helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change.
- The scheme aims to increase India's energy security and reduce its reliance on fossil fuels
Eligibility:
The scheme is open to all residential consumers in India. However, there may be specific requirements or limitations set by individual state governments. It's important to check with your local electricity distribution company (DISCOM) for detailed information on eligibility criteria and application procedures
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What is India’s current solar capacity? India's current solar capacity is rapidly growing, making it difficult to give a precise real-time number. Here's what we know:
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3.Why is an expansion of solar energy important for India?
- India heavily relies on imported fossil fuels, making its energy security vulnerable to global market fluctuations and geopolitical tensions. By expanding solar energy, India can reduce its dependence on external energy sources and enhance its energy security
- India faces significant environmental challenges, including air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Solar energy is a clean and renewable resource, and its widespread adoption can help mitigate environmental degradation, reduce air pollution, and combat climate change.
- Solar energy contributes to diversifying the energy mix, reducing the country's dependence on finite fossil fuel resources. This diversification enhances resilience to energy price volatility and supply disruptions associated with fossil fuels.
- Millions of people in India still lack access to reliable electricity. Solar power, especially in decentralized or off-grid systems, can provide a cost-effective and sustainable solution to bring electricity to remote and underserved areas, thereby improving the quality of life and supporting economic development
- The solar energy sector has the potential to create jobs across various skill levels, from manufacturing and installation to maintenance and research. The expansion of the solar industry can contribute to employment generation and support the country's economic growth
- Solar projects can be deployed in rural areas, providing not only electricity but also opportunities for local economic development. Solar microgrids can power agricultural activities, improve healthcare services, and facilitate education in rural communities
- Investing in solar energy encourages research and development in renewable energy technologies. This innovation can lead to improvements in efficiency, storage, and overall performance, making solar energy more viable and competitive
- India has committed to international agreements and initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions and transitioning to cleaner energy sources. Expanding solar energy aligns with these global commitments, positioning India as a responsible and sustainable energy player on the international stage
- The cost of solar energy has been decreasing over the years, making it increasingly competitive with traditional sources of energy. As technology advances and economies of scale are realized, solar power becomes a cost-effective option for meeting India's growing energy demand
- Distributed solar power generation can enhance grid stability by reducing transmission and distribution losses and providing local sources of electricity. This decentralized approach can contribute to a more resilient and robust energy infrastructure
4.Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules, 2020
- The Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules, 2020 are a crucial piece of legislation in India that significantly empowers electricity consumers across the country
- A set of regulations introduced by the Indian Government to protect the rights of electricity consumers and ensure a high standard of service from distribution companies (DISCOMs).
- The rules provide a framework for consumer rights, obligations of distribution licensees, and mechanisms to address grievances
Key Rights Guaranteed by the Rules:
- Reliable Electricity Supply: Consumers have the right to 24x7 power supply, subject to reasonable technical constraints.
- New Connections: DISCOMs must provide new electricity connections within a specified timeline (7 days in metro cities, 15 days in municipal areas, 30 days in rural areas).
- Transparent Billing: Consumers have the right to receive accurate and timely bills with clear information on consumption and charges.
- Metering: Consumers have the right to have meters installed and tested regularly. They can also request meter testing if they have doubts about its accuracy.
- Grievance Redressal: The rules provide a clear mechanism for consumers to lodge complaints, with timelines for resolution by DISCOMs and consumer grievance redressal forums.
- Compensation: Consumers are entitled to compensation from DISCOMs for violations of service standards.
- Prosumers: The rules recognize the rights of "prosumers" – consumers who can generate their own electricity (like through rooftop solar) and feed excess back into the grid
5. Amendments to Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules, 2020
- The amendments, announced on February 22, have relaxed regulations regarding the necessity of a technical feasibility report for rooftop solar projects. They also permit residential societies to choose between individual connections or a unified single-point connection through a democratic vote.
- Additionally, electricity distribution companies (DISCOMs) are now obligated to install an extra meter to address consumer complaints about inaccurate meter readings.
- Furthermore, these amendments have shortened the duration required for obtaining a new electricity connection and mandate DISCOMs to furnish a separate connection for an electric vehicle (EV) charging point upon consumer request. These modifications constitute the fourth amendment since the issuance of the 2020 notification.
- Previously, DISCOMs had to conduct a feasibility study for rooftop solar projects within 20 days of receiving an application and communicate the results to the applicant. A technical feasibility study assesses whether a property is financially and physically suitable for solar panel installation.
- The recent amendments have reduced this period to 15 days. Additionally, if the study is not concluded within this timeframe, it will be assumed that the proposal is technically feasible.
- In essence, the expenses associated with fortifying distribution infrastructure for rooftop solar projects with a capacity of up to 5 kilowatts will be covered by DISCOMs, and this can be offset through their operations.
- The power ministry highlighted in a press release, "Furthermore, it is now mandated that the distribution system strengthening required for rooftop solar PV systems up to 5 kW capacity will be undertaken by the distribution company at its own expense." Lastly, the interval between the installation and commissioning of rooftop solar projects has been reduced from 30 days to 15 days
6.Way Forward
Electric Vehicles have been mentioned for the first time in the rules. DISCOMs are required to provide a separate connection for the supply of electricity to an EV charging point if requested by a consumer and within the revised period as mentioned above
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For Prelims: Economic and Social Development
For Mains: General Studies III: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc
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Previous Year Questions
1.Consider the following statements: (UPSC CSE 2016)
1. The International Solar Alliance was launched at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in 2015.
2. The Alliance includes all the member countries of the United Nations.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 Only
B. 2 Only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 Nor 2
Answer (A)
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Source: Indianexpress
