MERC's New Order Sparks Industry Outcry Over Rooftop Solar Tariffs The Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) has faced sharp criticism from the Vidarbha Industries Association (VIA) for its latest order imposing Grid Support Charges (GSC) on gross solar generation, a decision VIA claims will cripple rooftop solar projects and undermine renewable energy investments. The association accused the commission of enforcing an "anti-industry tariff structure," arguing that the move effectively reinstates outdated pricing models from a 2025 review order that was previously quashed by the Bombay High Court for bypassing mandatory public consultations. Despite fresh hearings following court directives, VIA alleged that industry stakeholders’ inputs were largely ignored, prompting calls for urgent intervention from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. VIA president Prashant Mohota emphasized that the MERC’s decision to levy GSC on all solar generation—rather than just surplus power exported to the grid—penalizes consumers for using energy within their premises. This, he argued, contradicts the existing demand charges already paid by industrial users and threatens the viability of net-metering projects. The association warned that the policy could deter investments in renewable energy, as the effective landed cost of power for industrial consumers now exceeds ₹11 per unit, making Maharashtra one of the most expensive states for electricity. The MERC’s order has also drawn attention to the revised banking provisions for open access to solar consumers. Under the new rules, banked energy can be utilized only for eight hours daily, down from 17 hours previously, with unused power lapsing at month-end.#maharashtra_electricity_regulatory_commission #vidarbha_industries_association #prashant_mohota #grid_support_charges
