Shimla: Rooftop solar consumers in Himachal Pradesh are set to benefit from a more convenient and paperless connection process, with the Himachal Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (HPERC) introducing changes to facilitate the acceptance of digital solar metering connection agreements.
Under the latest amendment, digital solar metering connection agreements executed by consumers through the online portals of Central or State government rooftop solar schemes will now be considered valid. Electricity distribution companies will be required to accept such agreements submitted along with online applications.
The HPERC has notified the fourth amendment to the Himachal Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (Rooftop Solar PV Grid Interactive System) Regulations, 2015. The provision has been introduced by modifying Sub-regulation (3) of Regulation 7 of the regulations.
According to the amended provision, a distribution company will accept a digital solar metering connection agreement submitted along with an application through the online portal of any Central or State government rooftop solar scheme.
The move is expected to significantly simplify the process for consumers seeking rooftop solar connections. By allowing the metering agreement to be completed digitally alongside the online application, consumers may no longer need to depend solely on physical documentation or make repeated visits to electricity board offices.
The regulatory change is part of a broader effort to digitise the rooftop solar connection process in the state. The online submission of agreements is expected to reduce paperwork, streamline documentation and make the process more transparent and efficient.
For consumers, the changes could translate into fewer administrative hurdles and greater convenience while applying for rooftop solar systems under government schemes.
HPERC has also introduced provisions aimed at further digitising the rooftop solar application process. The move is expected to support wider adoption of rooftop solar energy by making the grid-connection procedure simpler and more consumer-friendly.
