In a landmark decision that strengthens India’s rooftop solar ecosystem, the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) has directed MSEDCL to allow net metering for rooftop solar systems even when the consumer is availing open access. This ruling came in favour of Hatsun Agro Products, whose rooftop solar system was earlier billed under gross metering despite using open access power.
The Commission has also ordered MSEDCL to **revise and adjust Hatsun Agro’s electricity bills from November 2023**, applying net metering instead of gross metering. This move is being widely welcomed across the industry as it removes a long-standing regulatory ambiguity and encourages wider adoption of rooftop solar by large commercial and industrial consumers.
Why This Decision Matters
Many businesses in Maharashtra and other states use open access to procure cheaper power from the market. However, discoms often denied them net metering benefits for rooftop solar, pushing them into gross metering—resulting in lower financial returns. MERC’s decision clarifies that rooftop solar and open access can coexist, unlocking better economics for businesses.
This is particularly important for sectors like **food processing, manufacturing, data centers, hospitals, and large institutions**, where energy costs form a significant part of operating expenses. With net metering restored, these consumers can now optimally use their rooftop solar generation while continuing open access procurement.
Government Push on Captive Power Rules
Adding to this momentum, the central government has proposed **changes to captive power rules to ease compliance**. This will simplify structures for businesses using captive renewable power, reduce regulatory friction, and make it easier for companies to meet renewable purchase obligations (RPOs) and ESG targets.
### **What This Means for Indian Businesses**
Together, these developments reflect a strong policy intent to:
- Encourage decentralised renewable energy
- Reduce dependency on fossil fuel-based grid power
- Support India’s Net Zero 2070 commitment
- Improve ease of doing business for renewable adopters
States like Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Rajasthan are emerging as leaders in progressive solar regulation, making rooftop solar, open access, and captive models more viable than ever.
For companies exploring rooftop solar, open access, or hybrid models, this is the right time to act. Policy support, regulatory clarity, and falling solar costs together make the business case extremely compelling.
If your business is evaluating rooftop solar with open access or captive models, now is the time to design the right structure and maximise savings.
Key Takeaways:
MERC allows net metering even with open access usage
Hatsun Agro receives retrospective bill correction from November 2023
Gross metering replaced with favourable net metering methodology
Policy clarity boosts commercial rooftop solar confidence significantly
Easing captive rules will accelerate renewable adoption for industries
