Group and virtual net metering in Delhi: a complete 2025 guide
Delhi now lets multiple consumers share a single solar plant via Group Net Metering (GNM) or Virtual Net Metering (VNM). These frameworks overcome rooftop limits, slash bills and make solar one of the best investments for homes, societies and businesses.
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1. What are group and virtual net metering?
| Model | Who qualifies | How credits flow |
|---|---|---|
| Group net metering (GNM) | One consumer with multiple meters in the same DISCOM | Surplus first offsets host meter, then cascades to other listed meters in priority order |
| Virtual net metering (VNM) | Multiple consumers (housing society, NGO, schools, Govt offices) | Energy is credited to each participant’s bill in agreed ratios, even if the plant is off-site |
Both schemes were introduced by the DERC 2019 GNM/VNM order and amended five times through 2024.
2. Key 2024-2025 policy changes
- 100% waiver of wheeling, banking and cross-subsidy charges for systems commissioned before 31 Mar 2027.
- Capacity caps per DISCOM: BRPL 75 MW, TPDDL 50 MW, BYPL 30 MW, NDMC 10 MW.
- Ground-mount plants allowed up to 5× sanctioned load (max 10 MW). No size cap for rooftop.
- Service-line development charges waived up to the above caps.
- DERC now publishes available GNM/VNM capacity every quarter.
3. Step-by-step net-metering process (GNM & VNM)
| Step | Timeline | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Eligibility check | Day 0 | Verify all meters belong to the same DISCOM; confirm sanctioned load. |
| 2. Application form | Day 0–3 | Download GNM or VNM form; pay ₹1,000 processing fee. |
| 3. Document bundle | Day 3–7 | Aadhaar/PAN, recent bills, property proof, NOC/undertaking, site plan. |
| 4. Feasibility study | ≤15 days | DISCOM reviews grid capacity; issues registration. |
| 5. Connection agreement | Day 15–20 | Sign Renewable Energy Connection Agreement; stamp duty as per Delhi Act. |
| 6. Plant installation | Day 20–60 | EPC installs panels, inverter, generation meter. |
| 7. Metering & sync | ≤10 days | DISCOM installs/approves bi-directional meters; plant goes live. |
All timelines mandated by DERC Order 11/2024.
4. Required documents (2025 checklist)
- Completed GNM/VNM application form.
- Aadhaar & PAN of each consumer.
- Latest electricity bills for parent and child meters.
- Property ownership proof or lease deed for plant site.
- Single-line diagram (SLD) signed by Chartered Electrical Engineer.
- NOC from owner if meter not in applicant’s name.
- Undertaking on ₹10 e-stamp (for VNM share ratios).
5. Capacity limits & charge waivers
| Parameter | Rooftop | Ground-mount |
|---|---|---|
| Max size | Technical limit only | 5× sanctioned load (10 MW cap) |
| Wheeling / banking charges | 0% until 31 Mar 2027 | 0% until 31 Mar 2027 |
| After 31 Mar 2027 | 25% charges for first 3 years, rising 25% every 3 years | Same |
6. Sample savings for a housing society
| Item | 100 kW rooftop plant |
|---|---|
| Annual generation | 150,000 kWh |
| Avg Delhi tariff | ₹8.00/kWh |
| Gross savings | ₹12,00,000/yr |
| O&M (₹0.6/kWh) | −₹90,000 |
| Net savings | ₹11,10,000/yr |
| Pay-back (capex ₹45 lakh) | 4 years |
7. Common compliance tips
- Keep each year’s priority list or share ratio handy—you may amend once per FY.
- Ensure generation meter is DLMS, RS-485 & SIM-enabled as per DISCOM spec.
- Upload quarterly generation data to DISCOM portal to retain charge waivers.
Frequently asked questions
Can my housing society still use VNM after the 2020 amendment?
Yes. The 2024 order reinstated group-housing under “collective consumers” for VNM.
Do I lose waivers if DISCOM caps fill before I apply?
No. Waivers apply to your commissioned capacity; caps only limit further subsidised uptake.
Can I change my GNM priority list mid-year?
DERC allows one revision per financial year with 30-day notice.
Is surplus credit carried forward yearly?
Yes. Credits roll for 12 months; balance settled at APPC if unused.
What metering cost should I budget?
Parent meter is free for ≤10 kW rooftop; larger or ground-mount plants pay ₹5,500–₹8,000 per bi-directional meter.
Internal resources
Last updated: 25 June 2025
_Sources: DERC Orders 2019-2024; BRPL & TPDDL Solar Portals June 2025; MNRE Rooftop Dashboard 2025.