Objections mount against proposed solar restrictions at MERC public hearing

During a public hearing at the College of Engineering Pune, Patil strongly opposed the move and urged the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) to reconsider it with fairness and empathy. “This proposal has not been welcomed by anyone,” he later told The Indian Express.

The hearing was presided over virtually by MERC Chairman Sanjay Kumar and members Anand Limaye and Surendra Biyani. Lokesh Chandra, Chairman and Managing Director, MSEDCL presented a multi-year tariff for the 2025-30 period that includes a revised ToD tariff structure and a revised methodology for billing of residential consumers with rooftop solar systems.

He highlighted the difficulties of setting up solar parks and noted that many industries have invested in large-scale solar projects spanning 100 acres to cut electricity costs. “The current proposal by MSEDCL is extremely unfair and discourages rooftop solar installations. This can further impact solar power generation,” he added.

While the state has initiated campaigns to electrify agricultural pump connections through solar energy, Patil raised the practical challenges in identifying suitable locations. Patil pointed out that setting up agricultural pumps near rivers requires proper land allocation and also demanded that accurate calculations are needed to determine power consumption by farmers from the power utility’s feeders. He alleged disparities in agricultural power distribution where electricity for agricultural pump consumers with 7.5 horsepower capacity is free.

“However those farmers and water supply societies with pumps above 7.5 horsepower do not get a waiver,” Patil added.

Samir Gandhi, Treasurer with the Maharashtra Solar Manufacturers Association (MASMA) also came down heavily on the proposed move to revise ToD tariff structure. “This is a breach of trust. People have invested in rooftop solar plants, taken loans so that they can cut their electricity cost and generate solar energy. However MSEDCL proposes a restriction on night time use of solar energy and applies standard rates for utilising power. This is incredibly unfair—like changing the rules in the middle of the game.” he lashed out.

Gandhi also told The Indian Express that MASMA was one of the oldest associations with 1500 members and across the state there were several consumers who had indicated interest in rooftop solar installations. With this proposed move, manufacturers have no other option but to put on hold other projects related to rooftop solar installations,” he said.

Vivek Velankar, President, Sajag Nagrik Manch further took on the MSEDCL by stating that this move to revise the ToD slots would jeopardise the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli (Free Electricity) scheme in Maharashtra. The aim of the scheme is to light up one crore households by providing up to 300 units of free electricity every month. “Maharashtra aims to reach out to 25 lakh homes but as part of this proposed move, I am not sure whether 25K will be interested,” Velankar claimed.

He also raised the issue of power cuts during the months of October and November last year. Data shows that across Maharashtra in October last year power supply was disrupted 1.07 lakh times and 1.04 lakh times in November. “Why is there such poor repair and maintenance work despite sufficient funds allocated to the power utility,” Velankar said.