The Indian government has implemented significant revisions to the electricity Act in a concerted effort to promote the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and solar energy solutions.
R. K. Singh, the Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy, has highlighted that these amendments aim to streamline the installation process of rooftop solar systems. Notably, systems with a capacity of up to 10 kW are now exempt from the necessity of undergoing a technical feasibility study. Moreover, the timeline for systems exceeding 10 kW has been trimmed from twenty days to fifteen days. These alterations are anticipated to accelerate the uptake of rooftop solar systems and reinforce consumer rights, ultimately fostering the transition towards renewable energy sources.
In addition to facilitating the installation of solar systems, the updated regulations enable consumers to acquire dedicated electricity connections tailored specifically for EVs. Furthermore, the amendments aim to simplify the procedure for obtaining new electricity connections, thereby significantly reducing waiting periods across various regions. For instance, the waiting period has been curtailed from seven days to three days in metropolitan areas, from fifteen days to seven days in municipal areas, and from thirty days to fifteen days in rural areas. However, it’s important to note that in rural hilly terrains, the waiting period remains unchanged at thirty days.
