
Follow India Renewable Energy News on WhatsApp for exclusive updates on clean energy news and insights
Andhra Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (APERC) Waives Fees to Boost Rooftop Solar Adoption Under PM Surya Ghar Yojana
Apr 28, 2025
The Andhra Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (APERC) has announced a waiver of application fees and net metering charges for domestic rooftop solar installations up to 10 kW under the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana. This move aims to make solar adoption more accessible for households and supports the rollout of the central government’s flagship program in the state.
The decision came after a request from the state's three major distribution companies — Eastern, Southern, and Central Power Distribution Corporations — seeking to lower financial barriers for consumers. APERC exercised its special powers under the 2023 Rooftop Solar Regulation to implement this relief but emphasized that a net metering agreement remains mandatory to safeguard consumer and utility interests.
As of March 10, 2025, 15,329 households in Andhra Pradesh have benefited, installing 53.39 MW of rooftop solar capacity. Nationally, however, the program has seen slower progress than targeted, with 905,000 households benefiting against a goal of 3.5 million by FY 2026.
Implemented via the National Portal, the program simplifies the process for households to apply, select vendors, negotiate prices, and receive subsidies directly. The initiative is key to reducing electricity bills for lower and middle-income families and promoting India's energy self-reliance.