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AERC Approves Ceiling Tariff of Rs4.37/kWh for Rooftop Solar on Government Buildings

The Assam Electricity Regulatory Commission (AERC) has approved a ceiling tariff of Rs4.37/kWh for rooftop solar projects on government buildings in Assam under the RESCO model, as part of the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana. The decision followed a petition from Assam Power Distribution Company (APDCL), which had initially proposed a higher ceiling tariff of Rs5.42/kWh based on a capacity utilization factor (CUF) of 13.5%.

AERC found that APDCL’s CUF assumptions were lower than actual performance levels in the state. Using data from the State Load Dispatch Center, the Commission adopted a higher CUF of 16% and a return on equity of 14% to determine a more reasonable tariff.

Under this scheme, rooftop solar systems will be installed on all feasible central, state, and autonomous government buildings, with power supplied directly to them at the approved tariff. Excess electricity will be exported to the APDCL grid through an export-import metering arrangement.

The move is expected to enhance Assam’s rooftop solar adoption, optimize government energy costs, and strengthen compliance with the national rooftop solar program. AERC has directed APDCL to conduct competitive bidding for developers at the newly approved tariff level.