Ranchi: The Federation of Jharkhand Chamber of Commerce & Industries (FJCCI) has urged Chief Minister Hemant Soren to promote solar energy in the state and accelerate rooftop solar projects. In a letter to the CM on Thursday, the FJCCI demanded simplification of the net metering approval process, making it time-bound and consumer-friendly.
Challenges in net metering approvals
In the letter, FJCCI secretary general Rohit Agrawal acknowledged the state government’s initiative in promoting renewable energy but highlighted practical difficulties encountered in obtaining net metering approvals. “Feedback from various industrial units, commercial establishments, and domestic consumers indicates several challenges, including unnecessary delays in net metering approvals, prolonged inspection procedures, technical objections, and lack of coordination at different levels,” Agrawal said. These issues are adversely affecting the enthusiasm of consumers and investors interested in installing solar power systems. Net metering is a billing mechanism that credits solar system owners for the excess electricity their panels send back to the electric grid.
Demands for improvement
FJCCI urged the CM to make the net metering approval process transparent, time-bound, and consumer-friendly, along with fixing a definite timeline to process applications. Furthermore, the chamber sought appropriate directions to district-level and electricity division officials to adopt a supportive and facilitative approach towards solar energy consumers and entrepreneurs.
Recommendations
- Development of an online tracking system to enable applicants to monitor the status of applications, inspections, approvals, and meter installations.
- Establishment of a dedicated email ID and helpdesk at the level of the energy department or Jharkhand Bijli Vitran Nigam Limited (JBVNL) for prompt resolution of complaints and grievances related to net metering.
Agrawal added that these steps would help overcome the current hurdles and boost solar energy adoption in the state.
