The Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) has approved a proposal by the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Co. Ltd. (MSEDCL) to install rooftop solar systems for 2,11,206 low-income households across Maharashtra. The order, issued on August 19, 2026, allows MSEDCL to implement the project under the Utility-Led Aggregation (ULA) model in coordination with the central PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana and Maharashtra’s Swayampurna Maharashtra Aawasiya Rooftop Solar (SMART) scheme.
The initiative targets Below Poverty Line (BPL) families and Economically Weaker Section (EWS) households from Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities that consume less than 100 units of electricity per month. Under the programme, each eligible household will receive a 1 kWp rooftop solar system, enabling beneficiaries to generate electricity and potentially receive up to 100 units of free electricity every month.
The total estimated project cost is Rs 959.93 crore. The funding will combine central and state financial assistance with a limited beneficiary contribution. Central Financial Assistance (CFA) will provide Rs 30,000 per household, covering 60% of the cost and amounting to Rs 633.62 crore. State support will cover 30% to 35%, with BPL households receiving Rs 17,500 and SC/ST EWS beneficiaries receiving Rs 15,000. Consumer contributions will be limited to Rs 2,500 for BPL households and Rs 5,000 for SC/ST EWS beneficiaries.
Of the targeted beneficiaries, 1,27,362 are BPL households, while 83,844 belong to the SC/ST EWS categories. The project will be implemented through 43 vendors selected through competitive bidding at a rate of Rs 45,450 per kW.
The installations will comply with MERC’s Grid Interactive Rooftop Renewable Energy Regulations, 2019. Systems will include M2M SIM or Wi-Fi-enabled data loggers for real-time monitoring and must meet prescribed generation performance standards. Vendors will also provide five years of comprehensive operation and maintenance services.
MERC approved the proposal under Section 86(1)(e) of the Electricity Act, 2003, noting its significant social benefits without imposing a direct financial burden on MSEDCL. MNRE had granted in-principle approval on July 27, 2026, subject to regulatory clearance.
MSEDCL has been directed to complete implementation by March 31, 2027, ensuring timely utilization of central financial support and accelerating rooftop solar adoption among economically vulnerable households.
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