Rooftop solar in Kerala: Fixed charges remain, deposit refunds ordered

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala State Electricity Regulatory Commission has rejected a request to waive the fixed charge for rooftop solar power producers. Producers can, however, opt to pay a fixed charge based on their connected load, currently set at Rs 47 per kilowatt per month. The fixed charge is applied according to the units consumed.

The fixed charge covers the use of the electricity system, including transmission and distribution networks, regardless of whether electricity is actually used. Petitioners had requested that the charge be waived for electricity generated and consumed by rooftop solar producers for their own needs during the day. The complaint was filed by Ernakulam residents James Kutty Thomas, KK Mohandas, Marina George Anthrapper, Jacob Mathew, CP George, and AM Ashokan.

All rooftop solar plants in Kerala are on-grid and cannot operate independently of the grid. The Commission ruled that they are liable to pay the fixed charge even when generating and using their own electricity. However, the Commission accepted the argument that producers may choose to pay the charge based on connected load, provided they notify KSEB in advance.

Excessive deposits

The Commission also upheld complaints that KSEB is collecting excessive security deposits from rooftop solar producers, calling it a serious lapse. Many deposits were collected before solar plant installations. Although monthly bills have decreased since switching to solar, KSEB has not adjusted the deposit amounts. The Commission ordered that the excess deposits be returned promptly.

Understanding connected load

Connected load refers to the total capacity of all electrical appliances in a household. For single-phase connections, the fixed charge is generally calculated for loads below five kilowatts. Houses with appliances such as air conditioners typically have a connected load of seven to eight kilowatts. At eight kilowatts, the fixed charge amounts to Rs 376 per month. Opting for the connected-load system requires payment of the fixed charge even if appliances are not in use; otherwise, charges are based on the monthly consumption slab.