Web Exclusive | August 2018
Maharashtra DISCOMs plans Rs 1.25 per unit levy on rooftop solar prosumers
The Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company (MSEDCL) is going against the state government policy of promoting solar power by proposing to levy a surcharge of Rs 1.25 per unit on solar rooftop prosumers. MSEDCL will be purchasing 1,000 MW for around Rs 2.70 per unit against the average power purchase cost of Rs 4 per unit as it has tied up for a large quantum of solar power as it is cheap. Though tenders have been floated for another 1,000 MW, the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) will take the final decision on the surcharge. MSEDCL supported its argument by stating that surcharge was necessitated due to a large number of high-paying consumers switching over to solar.