The Tamil Nadu Electricity Regulatory Commission (TNERC) has issued a directive to the Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (TANGEDCO), instructing them not to conduct technical feasibility studies for solar rooftop proposals of up to 10 kilowatts (kW).
This move comes in response to complaints from consumers regarding delays in the installation process.
In an order dated 23 May, the regulatory commission invoked Rule 7(A) of the Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Amendment Rules, 2004, directing TANGEDCO to exempt consumers from utilizing solar rooftops of up to 10 kW.
This decision follows TANGEDCO’s previous directive, which limited exemptions to solar rooftops with a capacity of only 3 kW.
The commission’s directive also includes delegating the sanction power for Grid Interactive Solar Photovoltaic Power Systems of up to 10 kW to lower-level field officers within TANGEDCO.
Concerns over delays in the installation process prompted TANGEDCO to issue the directive. TANGEDCO received reports of setbacks from numerous households in installing rooftop solar systems.
As per IANS, Meenakshi Sundaram, a retired college professor who sought to install an 8 kW solar rooftop connection, expressed frustration over the prolonged delay.
He stated that many consumers, including himself, felt disheartened by TANGEDCO’s approach.
Meanwhile, TANGEDCO mandates conducting feasibility studies and providing reports for solar rooftop projects within a fortnight. However, consumers like Meenakshi Sundaram have reported significant delays in the process.
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