Guwahati: The Assam Power Distribution Company Limited (APDCL) has officially added net metering as part of the Prime Minister's Surya Ghar Free Electricity Scheme, one of India's largest public participation initiatives aimed at promoting green energy.
This scheme, launched by the Government of India, empowers residential customers to reduce their electricity bills by generating their own power using solar energy. According to the latest notification, residential customers installing rooftop solar systems with a capacity of up to 10 kW can benefit from the net metering system. Under this method, the solar energy exported by customers to the APDCL grid will be deducted from the energy imported from the grid.
Net metering is a billing mechanism that allows customers to generate their own electricity and earn credits for any excess energy they produce. These credits can be used to offset future electricity bills. The system measures the difference between the energy produced by a customer's solar system and the energy consumed by their home. If more electricity is generated than consumed, the excess power is exported to the grid, and the customer receives credits for it.
The initiative is backed by substantial subsidies from both the Government of Assam and the Government of India. Customers can receive financial assistance for rooftop solar power installation, along with concessional bank loans, which will be directly credited to their bank accounts. The subsidies vary based on the solar project capacity:
- *1 kW:* ₹33,000
- *2 kW:* ₹48,000
- *3 kW:* ₹96,000
- *Above 3 kW:* ₹1,30,800
Customers participating in this scheme will also benefit from free smart meter installation. Additionally, for those applying for rooftop solar installation up to 10 kW, APDCL will increase the approved load if necessary at the time of commissioning the solar project.
For more information or to apply, visit [Prime Minister's Surya Ghar Scheme](https://www.pmsuryaghar.gov.in) or contact your local sub-division.
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