The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has issued a regulatory clarification to streamline the transition toward a low-carbon economy by establishing a 15-day processing window for Green Energy Open Access applications. This federal update is designed to eliminate procedural ambiguity for renewable energy (RE) developers and consumers, directly aligning with the strategic objectives of the Rajasthan Integrated Clean Energy Policy 2024. By establishing a “Deemed Approval” mechanism, the clarification facilitates the state’s mission to capitalize on its high solar radiation and vast land resources to meet both national and state-specific decarbonization targets.
The Deemed Approval Framework for Open Access
A critical component of this regulatory update is the introduction of a time-bound “deemed approval” mechanism. Under this framework, if the designated Nodal Agency—typically the DISCOM or the State Load Despatch Centre—fails to formally approve or reject an application within 15 days, the request is automatically considered approved.
As per Section 33 of the Rajasthan Integrated Clean Energy Policy 2024, the state has adopted these provisions in accordance with the national Green Energy Open Access Rules 2022. The implementation includes the following technical provisions:
- Eligibility: The size of the plant for open access and specific load thresholds are governed by the regulations framed by the Rajasthan Electricity Regulatory Commission (RERC).
- Multiple Connections: To accommodate consumers with decentralized service connections, the policy promotes Group Net Metering (GNM). As defined in Section 6.3, GNM allows a single consumer with multiple service connections across various locations within the same licensing area to install a single RE plant to meet collective demand.
- Virtual Net Metering (VNM): For consumers lacking sufficient space, VNM arrangements allow multiple consumers to establish a collective physical RE plant to meet their power requirements (Section 6.3).
State-Specific Processing Timelines for Solar Rooftop Systems
While the MNRE’s 15-day window applies specifically to Open Access applications, the Rajasthan Integrated Clean Energy Policy 2024 establishes distinct Standard Operating Timelines for rooftop photovoltaic (PV) systems under Net Metering (Section 6.1 vi). These timelines are mandatory for DISCOMs to ensure the efficient deployment of decentralized generation.
Rajasthan Standard Operating Timelines for Rooftop PV Systems (Net Metering)
| Activity | Maximum Time Period |
| Issuance of NOC for systems above 10 kW | 7 days from receipt of application |
| Solar & Net Meter Testing | 7 days from depositing of meters |
| Execution of Net Metering Agreement | 3 days from submission of the draft agreement |
| Commissioning/Connection of Rooftop System | 3 days from receipt of application |
Obligations of DISCOMs and Nodal Agencies
The policy mandates significant technical and facilitatory responsibilities for state utilities and agencies to maintain a “stakeholder-driven” clean energy ecosystem.
Responsibilities of DISCOMs:
- Infrastructure Optimization: DISCOMs must allow solar rooftop capacity additions up to 80% of the Distribution Transformer (DT) capacity in a given area (Section 6.1 i).
- Digital Monitoring: Per Section 6.1 (iii), DISCOMs are required to develop consumer-friendly IT applications to facilitate online project monitoring and ensure timely approvals for rooftop plants.
Role of the Rajasthan Renewable Energy Corporation (RREC): The RREC serves as the primary Nodal Agency (Section 5), with the Rajasthan Solar Park Development Company Ltd acting as a dedicated Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for the development and management of RE and Solar Parks (Section 10.1). Key roles include:
- Coordination: Liaison with MNRE, Rajasthan Urja Vikas & IT Services Ltd (RUVITL), and RVPN.
- Infrastructure & Evacuation: Facilitating power evacuation plans and securing connectivity at the Central Transmission Utility (CTU), State Transmission Utility (STU), and DISCOM networks.
- Resource Management: Facilitating land allotment and water allocation. Section 17.2 specifically identifies the IGNP canal as a primary water source for solar cleaning and auxiliary consumption for solar thermal power plants.
Technical and Strategic Context: Alignment with National Targets
The procedural enhancements in Rajasthan are designed to contribute to India’s national goal of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030. A primary objective is the reduction of transmission and distribution (T&D) losses and the optimization of existing infrastructure. Per Section 1.4, the policy emphasizes decentralized generation through small solar power plants located at load centers to achieve these savings.
Under Section 4.1, Rajasthan has established the following capacity targets to be achieved by 2029-30:
- Solar Power: 90,000 MW
- Wind & Hybrid Power: 25,000 MW
- Hydro and Storage (PSP & BESS): 10,000 MW
- Total Renewable Power Target: 125,000 MW
By integrating these targets with the “Green Energy Open Access Rules 2022” and leveraging Energy Storage Systems (ESS) for frequency regulation and voltage support, the state aims to achieve an optimal energy mix that ensures both grid stability and energy security.
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