Wed Oct 22 12:06:46 UTC 2025: Summary:

The Kerala State Electricity Regulatory Commission (KSERC) held its first physical public hearing regarding its draft renewable energy regulations in Thiruvananthapuram. The draft proposes restrictions on the Net Metering System (NMS), a “grid support charge” for exported renewable energy, and conditions related to battery storage. Prosumers, who have invested in rooftop solar units, vehemently protested these proposals, arguing they would render their investments unprofitable and harm the overall renewable energy push in Kerala. They argued against being held responsible for grid instabilities and transformer capacities, which are the KSEB’s responsibilities. The KSERC defended the draft and criticized arguments based on misinterpretations. Further physical hearings are scheduled across Kerala following a court ruling.

News Article:

Kerala Prosumers Protest Proposed Renewable Energy Regulations

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, October 22, 2025 – The Kerala State Electricity Regulatory Commission (KSERC) faced strong opposition from prosumers during the first physical public hearing on its draft renewable energy regulations held today. The proposed regulations, which include restricting the Net Metering System (NMS) to 3 kW, imposing a “grid support charge” on exported renewable energy, and implementing specific conditions for battery storage, have sparked concerns among those who have invested in rooftop solar installations.

Prosumers voiced their concerns that the new regulations would make their investments unprofitable and hinder the growth of renewable energy adoption in Kerala. They criticized the proposed “grid support charge” as regressive and argued that the KSEB, as the state power utility, should be responsible for grid stability, not individual solar producers.

“The draft has left us confused. It cannot be seen as supportive of ordinary prosumers,” said Shiju Varghese, a prosumer who attended the hearing.

The KSERC defended the draft, stating it has been available for public review since May and that online hearings were previously held in July. They also criticized some arguments presented as misinterpretations of the draft.

The hearing, headed by T.K. Jose, is the first of four physical hearings mandated by the High Court following a public interest litigation. Subsequent hearings are scheduled in Ernakulam, Palakkad, and Kozhikode later this month. The outcome of these hearings will be crucial in shaping the future of renewable energy policy in Kerala and determining the viability of rooftop solar investments for individual consumers.

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