Setback for rooftop solar users: No relaxation in KSEB fixed charges

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: There is no relaxation in the fixed charge imposed by KSEB on rooftop solar users. The Electricity Regulatory Commission has ordered that the fixed charge can continue to be levied. KSEB is charging a fee for excess electricity used in addition to solar. The fixed charge is in addition to this. The fixed charge has to be paid whether KSEB's electricity is used or not. This has been a setback for rooftop solar users.

The petition of the solar users demanded that a fixed charge be imposed only on KSEB's electricity. However, KSEB argued that the fixed charge is necessary as electricity is supplied to the house and the system for it is maintained whether it is used or not. The fixed charge is charged by KSEB for the cost of infrastructure for electricity distribution.

The commission order said that there is nothing illegal in charging a fixed charge from solar energy users in the net metering system. Petitioner James Kutty Thomas informed that the legal battle against this will continue.

50 to Rs 500

The Regulatory Commission said that a fixed charge can be levied based on monthly electricity consumption or based on connected load at a rate of Rs 47 per kilowatt. If it is based on monthly consumption, the fixed charge will be from Rs 50 to Rs 310.

If it is based on kilowatt, it will be Rs 47 plus GST, which will be Rs 52. If there is a connected load of 10 kilowatts, the fixed charge will be more than Rs 500 per month.