Bihar waives net-metering charges for PM Surya Ghar consumers
The Bihar Electricity Regulatory Commission (BERC) has approved the waiver of application fees and meter testing charges for domestic consumers applying for net-metering connections under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana.
The decision was issued through an order dated July 9, 2026, on a joint petition filed by North Bihar Power Distribution Company Limited (NBPDCL) and South Bihar Power Distribution Company Limited (SBPDCL).
Scope of waiver
The waiver applies only to domestic consumers installing rooftop solar systems under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana and does not extend to other consumer categories or rooftop solar installations outside the scheme.
By approving the petition, the Commission has relaxed the miscellaneous and general charges prescribed in its tariff order for FY 2026-27 for this specific category of consumers.
The order also grants a limited relaxation from Regulation 8.1 of the Bihar Electricity Regulatory Commission (Rooftop Solar Grid Interactive Systems Based on Net and Gross Metering) Regulations, 2018, which otherwise allows distribution licensees to recover charges approved by the Commission.
Commission’s observations
BERC noted that application fees and meter testing charges had emerged as a barrier to wider adoption of rooftop solar among residential consumers, particularly smaller households.
The Commission also considered a communication issued by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) on January 8, 2026, which urged states to simplify procedures under the PM Surya Ghar scheme. The communication highlighted that the scheme includes an incentive allocation of Rs 4,950 crore to compensate distribution companies for revenue impacts arising from such measures.
In its order, BERC observed that several state electricity regulators, including those in Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat, have already implemented similar waivers for rooftop solar consumers.
Regulatory context
During the proceedings, the petitioners informed the Commission that appeals relating to other tariff matters are currently pending before the Appellate Tribunal for Electricity (APTEL). However, BERC clarified that the pendency of those appeals does not affect its jurisdiction to consider and decide the present matter.
The Commission ultimately concluded that waiving the charges would support the objectives of the PM Surya Ghar programme by reducing procedural and financial barriers for residential consumers seeking rooftop solar connections.
The order is expected to facilitate faster adoption of net-metered rooftop solar systems in Bihar under the centrally sponsored scheme.
The featured photograph is for representation only.
