Consumers can reduce the amount of their electricity bills by installing solar plants. The consumer will be liable to pay charges for load enhancement and a security deposit for the increased load.

Those who install solar power projects of up to 10 kW capacity on the roof of their houses in the state will no longer need formalities like the Technical Feasibility Report (TFR). The central government has changed its rules, which have also been implemented by Uttarakhand Power Corporation Limited (UPCL).

This will help consumers save electricity. UPCL Director Operations MR Arya said, the Electricity (Consumer Rights) Amendment Rules, 2024 provide that applications for rooftop solar photovoltaic projects up to 10 kW capacity, complete in all respects, will be deemed to be accepted without the need for technical feasibility study and any corresponding increase in the sanctioned load.

The requirement of TFR has been waived off for the consumer as may be required by UPCL. The condition is that the consumer shall be liable to pay the charges for load escalation and security deposit for the increased load as per the rules of the Regulatory Commission.

Said, if a consumer applies for a grid-connected solar rooftop PV plant, there will be no specific requirement for application for load increase from such consumers. If the approved connected load is less than the capacity of the plant that the consumer wants to install, then the approved connected load will be considered increased to that extent. Said, load increase and security charges will have to be paid as per the rules of the Regulatory Commission from time to time.

It is now easy to install solar rooftops at home under Grid Connected Rooftop Solar Phase-2. Funding is being received under the scheme. Domestic category consumers are being given a 40 percent subsidy on the first three kilowatts and a 20 percent subsidy on four to 10 kilowatts for installing solar plants.

The cost of the solar plant paid by the consumer can be recovered in about five years. The maintenance of the solar plant for five years is included in the cost itself. Consumers can reduce the amount of their electricity bill by installing a solar plant. For more information, you can contact the nearest electricity office or toll-free number 1912.