KERC issues order to enhance sanctioned load of consumers who install solar systems up to 10 Kw capacity

KERC allows automatic enhancement of sanctioned load for consumers installing solar rooftop systems up to 10 kW capacity.

Consumers who wish to install solar rooftop photovoltaic (SRTPV) systems in their building with capacity exceeding their sanctioned load need not run to electricity supply company (escom) offices to enhance the sanctioned load. The Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) on Thursday announced that the sanctioned load of consumers who wish to install the SRTPV will be automatically enhanced up to and including 10 kilowatts (Kw) capacity.

The commission, upon Bangalore Electricity Supply Company’s (Bescom) request, passed this order to encourage more consumers to participate in the PM Surya Ghar scheme (under which subsidies are provided for solar units) by installing rooftop solar systems.

“Further, during a meeting with system integrators and escoms, the system integrators appraised the commission of the rapid advancements in technology, particularly the increasing and changing ratings of solar modules. They highlighted that customers are increasingly concerned about the mismatch between module capacities and the applied capacity. To address this concern, the integrators requested the commission to permit a capacity tolerance of 10% for SRTPV installations up to 10 kW,” KERC officials said.

What does this mean for the consumer? For instance, previously if a consumer’s sanctioned load was 5 kW and they wish to install rooftop solar systems of 9 kW capacity, then they should have submitted an application for load enhancement, then wait for spot inspection, and pay the fee which would take some time. Now, if the consumer wishes to install a 9-kW capacity solar plant, they will get permission for the same along with automatic enhancement of their sanctioned load. The respective escom will augment distribution lines and transformers accordingly.

The consumer would, however, have to pay the applicable charges, deposit the additional security charges, and enter into a power supply agreement with the escom for the additional load according to the regulations of electricity supply.

Rajeev Kumar, a resident of Vidyaranyapura, said, “The lesser the red tape, the more we are encouraged to make use of schemes and install systems. With renewable energy gaining more prominence everywhere, even those of us who had previously not thought about it would like to invest more money to get maximum benefits from solar. Hence, getting automatic sanctioned load enhancement will be helpful.”