Virtual and Group Net-metering allowed in Rajasthan.

Virtual and Group Net-metering 

🌞 1. Understanding the Two Mechanisms

🔹 Virtual Net Metering (VNM)

You can install a solar power plant at one location (say, a society rooftop or a farm) and share the solar credits across multiple electricity connections (even at different locations) under the same DISCOM area.

Example:

You own three properties in Jaipur — your solar system on one property can offset bills for all three.

🔹 Group Net Metering (GNM)

Multiple consumers (for example, members of a housing society, office complex, or group of farmers) can jointly own a solar system and share the generated power credits based on a predefined sharing ratio.

Example:

A society installs a 100 kW solar system — each flat owner gets solar credits for their share of the system.

⚙️ 2. Who Can Apply

✅ Domestic, commercial, institutional, and government consumers.
✅ RWAs, housing societies, farmer groups, and private companies.
✅ System capacity between 1 kW and 1 MW (per project).

📝 3. Application Procedure (Simplified)

Site Selection & Feasibility

Choose your solar installation site.

Apply for technical feasibility to the DISCOM (Jaipur Vidyut Vitran Nigam Ltd, Jodhpur VVNL, or Ajmer VVNL).

Approval timeline:

🔸 15 days for existing connections

🔸 30 days for new connections

Apply for VNM/GNM Scheme

Submit an online or offline application under Grid-Interactive Distributed Renewable Energy Systems (Amendment) Regulations, 2025.

Required documents:

Electricity bill(s)

Ownership proof

Single line diagram (SLD)

Sharing agreement (for GNM)

System design & capacity details

Installation & Net Metering

Install solar panels via an approved vendor (as per DISCOM empanelment).

DISCOM installs a bi-directional meter and links your consumer accounts.

Billing & Credit Sharing

Generated units are credited monthly.

Credits automatically offset electricity bills for all linked connections as per approved sharing ratio.

💰 4. Financial & Regulatory Benefits

✅ Full Net Metering Allowed – Exported solar units are credited 1:1 up to your consumption.
✅ Charge Waivers for Domestic Consumers – No banking, wheeling, or cross-subsidy charges.
✅ Simplified Process – Faster approval timelines and fewer NOC requirements.
✅ Battery Storage Incentives – Projects with BESS enjoy additional charge waivers.
✅ Lower Bills – Reduce power bills across multiple properties without installing panels at each one.

📞 5. Where to Apply / Contact

Visit your local DISCOM office or official website:

JVVNL – Jaipur

JdVVNL – Jodhpur

AVVNL – Ajmer

Reference: RERC (Grid Interactive Distributed Renewable Energy Generating Systems) (Third Amendment) Regulations, 2025

Here are the key highlights / features of the new Virtual Net Metering (VNM) & Group Net Metering (GNM) regulations in Rajasthan (2025, RERC’s 3rd Amendment):

✅ What’s Allowed & Who Can Participate

All consumer categories (domestic, commercial, institutional, government) are eligible for both VNM and GNM. 

Projects capacity allowed: more than 1 kW up to 1 MW. For projects above 1 MW, other frameworks (green open access / renewable tariff) apply. 

The total installed capacity of a project under VNM/GNM cannot exceed 100% of the cumulative sanctioned load / contract demand of the participating consumers. Each participating consumer can use up to their individual sanctioned/contracted demand. 

⚙️ Technical & Process Related

No technical feasibility study required for domestic consumers with systems ≤ 10 kW. 

For systems above that (or for non-domestic consumers), feasibility studies are mandatory:

 15 days for existing connections;

 30 days for new connections. 

Once declared technically feasible (or deemed so if time limit lapsed), connectivity (i.e. interconnection to grid, installation of meters etc.) must be granted within 30 days. 

💡 Energy Accounting, Sharing & Settlement

In Group Net Metering (GNM), energy exported from the host connection (where the solar plant is located) is first adjusted against imports at the host connection. If there is surplus, it's carried over to other connections of the group in a priority sequence as specified. 

In Virtual Net Metering (VNM), the generation is credited across participating consumer connections based on a sharing ratio agreed in advance. The ratio may be changed once a year (with notice). 

Time-of-Day (ToD) consumers have netting within the same time block first, then surplus is treated as off-peak, etc.

💸 Financial & Charge Waivers / Incentives

Domestic consumers are broadly exempt from many charges (wheeling, banking, transmission charges/losses, cross-subsidy surcharge, additional surcharge) under VNM and GNM. 

Non-domestic consumers get partial or full relief depending on whether the project is located on their own premises or offsite, and whether they use RESCO model or self-owned.

There are incentives to promote Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS):

 If a system includes BESS ≥ 5 % of solar capacity, a 75% waiver on wheeling charges is provided;

 For higher storage percentages (upto 30 %), further additional waivers;

 If BESS capacity > 30 % of solar, full exemption from wheeling charges. 

🕒 Time‐Limits & Efficiency

Time‐bound approvals and feasibility studies as above. If the time limit for feasibility is missed, the proposal is deemed feasible. 

Connectivity / interconnection steps to be completed within 30 days after feasibility is granted.