MNRE clarifies ALMM exemptions for net billing and virtual metering models

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has clarified that net billing, virtual net metering, and group net metering will be treated at par with net metering under the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) List-II.

Currently, ALMM List-II covers only solar modules. However, starting June 2026, it will also include solar cells. In its clarification, MNRE stated that virtual and group net metering involve either multiple consumers of the same category or a single consumer with multiple service connections. Net billing has been categorised as a hybrid of net and gross metering.

The clarification addresses stakeholder concerns about whether exemptions from ALMM enlistment, earlier granted to net metering and open access projects commissioned before June 1, 2026, would also apply to other models. MNRE confirmed that the exemptions extend to net billing, virtual net metering, and group net metering.