Net metering system will continue: Minister Krishnankutty assures rooftop solar owners

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala State Electricity Regulatory Commission and Power Minister K Krishnankutty have assured that there will be no gross metering of solar power supplied to the grid. The electricity department clarified the policy after rooftop solar owners protested at the evidence gathering held at the Regulatory Commission yesterday. Yesterday, Kerala Kaumudi had reported about the gross metering move causing huge financial loss to those who installed rooftop solar panels.

Renewable Energy Net Metering 2nd Amendment includes three types of billing namely Net Metering (2020), Gross Metering (2022) and Net Billing. The third type is included in the current draft. Currently there is only net metering in Kerala. Although gross metering has been included in the regulation from 2020, the commission has not yet taken any steps to implement gross metering or net billing in Kerala. Commission Chairman TJ Jos stated that the final decision will be made only after considering the opinions of the customers in such matters. The commission also informed that a special meeting will be called if necessary to address the concerns of the rooftop solar owners.

Gross metering only after consultations: Krishnankutty

"270 MW electricity is generated in the state through solar power projects. The net metering billing system is adopted here which is most beneficial for producers. Many other states have moved to net billing and gross metering systems. Kerala has adopted a stance of promoting solar power generation. Hence the state has not yet decided to switch to billing methods that may cause additional financial liability to rooftop solar owners. Such billing method will be considered only after detailed deliberation and discussion," Minister Krishnankutty said.