Solar Investment Turns Liability for Nagpur Hotels Amid New Rules The Nagpur Residential Hotels Association (NRHA) has raised serious concerns over the current electricity tariff structure and Time-of-Day (ToD) regulations, stating that recent policy changes have drastically reduced the effective use of solar power while increasing financial burdens on the hospitality sector. According to NRHA, hotels that invested heavily in rooftop solar systems now utilize only a fraction of the energy they generate. Data from multiple member establishments shows that, on average, barely 4.6% of total electricity consumption occurs during designated ToD hours (9am to 5pm). As a result, only about 7.6% of solar energy generated is actually consumed by hotels, while a massive 92.4% is exported to the grid. Despite this export, hoteliers claim they are not adequately compensated. Instead, they are required to pay a grid support charge of Rs1.96 per unit on the entire solar energy generated. This has effectively turned what was once seen as a cost-saving green investment into an additional recurring expense. A case in point highlights the severity of the issue. In March, a city hotel recorded a total electricity consumption of 5,923 units, with a Rs1.70 lakh bill. During the same period, its solar installation generated 4,217 units. However, only 324 units—produced during ToD hours—were adjusted against consumption. The remaining solar generation was exported to the grid, yet the hotel was still charged grid support fees on the full 4,217 units generated. NRHA president Tejinder Singh Renu said the current framework penalizes those who adopted renewable energy in good faith.#hotel #nagpur_residential_hotels_association #tejinder_singh_renu #maharashtra_electricity_regulatory_commission #sudhir_budhe
NRHA Welcomes 20% Hike in Commercial LPG Allocation, But Says Relief Is Limited The Centre’s recent decision to increase commercial LPG allocation by 20% for hotels, restaurants, and dhabas has been welcomed by the Nagpur Residential Hotels Association (NRHA), though industry representatives say the move may not offer substantial relief amid the ongoing fuel crisis. NRHA president Tejinder Singh Renu stated that while the additional allocation is a positive step, the current shortage continues to have a severe impact on the hospitality sector. He noted that many establishments are unable to fully switch to alternative energy sources such as electricity, forcing them to reduce operating hours to manage the limited LPG supply. The association has urged the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas to take immediate measures to bridge the demand-supply gap, including exploring imports from alternative sources. It also raised concerns over procedural complexities in availing the increased allocation, stating that a simplified and user-friendly process is essential to ensure that the benefits reach all stakeholders effectively. The NRHA’s comments highlight the persistent challenges faced by the hospitality sector, where businesses are struggling to balance operational costs with the rising prices of fuel. Despite the 20% increase, the association argues that the allocation remains insufficient to meet the growing demand, particularly in regions experiencing prolonged shortages. Industry representatives emphasized that without urgent intervention, the financial strain on small businesses could worsen, leading to potential closures and job losses.#ministry_of_petroleum_and_natural_gas #fuel_crisis #nagpur_residential_hotels_association #tejinder_singh_renu #hospitals_sector
