DISCOM Net Metering Process India — State-by-State Master Guide

India has 54 functional distribution companies (DISCOMs). Each one manages its own net-metering approval process — with its own application form, drawing format, technical checklist, portal interface, and timeline. A C&I EPC operating across Maharashtra and Gujarat simultaneously is managing two completely different approval workflows that share only the word “net-metering” in common. An EPC expanding from Gujarat to Karnataka discovers that everything it learned about DISCOM submission in its home state applies nowhere else.

This guide consolidates the net-metering submission process, drawing format requirements, timelines, and rejection patterns for 12 major Indian states. It is written for EPC founders and project managers who need to manage DISCOM submissions systematically — not one project at a time, but as an operating process that runs in parallel with construction.

Direct answer. The DISCOM net-metering approval process in India requires a state-specific drawing package (GA + SLD in DISCOM format), a completed application form, module and inverter technical documentation, a structural certificate, and utility bill copies — submitted to the local DISCOM portal or office before commissioning. Approval takes 15–60 days depending on the DISCOM. The DISCOM Drawing Stack — the five-document set that every Indian DISCOM submission requires — is the standardised framework for preparing an approval-ready package regardless of state.

According to MNRE’s rooftop solar progress dashboard, India’s cumulative rooftop solar crossed 17 GW in 2026 — but the DISCOM approval system remains the leading cause of project delay. Across the C&I segment, the average time from DISCOM submission to approval ranges from 22 days (Gujarat) to 57 days (Uttar Pradesh) — with significant variance based on submission quality.

The DISCOM Drawing Stack — The 5-Document Set Every Submission Needs

The DISCOM Drawing Stack is the standardised five-document set that, regardless of state, every net-metering submission requires. The format of each document varies by DISCOM, but the set itself is universal. A submission missing any one of these five elements will be rejected on administrative grounds before the technical review even begins.

State-by-State DISCOM Net-Metering Guide

Gujarat — UGVCL, MGVCL, PGVCL, DGVCL

Gujarat operates four DISCOMs based on geography, all now using the GUVNL-unified drawing format updated in 2025. Gujarat has the most streamlined net-metering process in India — primarily because of the Gujarat Solar Power Policy 2023 and the PM Surya Ghar residential programme pushing administrative efficiency.

Parameter	Details
Portal	Gujarat Solar Portal (GUVNL-linked), each DISCOM has its own section
TFR approval timeline	15–22 days for LT; 30–45 days for HT
Drawing format	Uniform Gujarat format; UGVCL Suraksha Shakti annex
Net-meter rating	Must match 110% of inverter AC output — not sanctioned load
CEIG threshold	Above 10 kW for LT grid-connected
Rejection rate (first pass)	~28% (format issues: wrong net-meter rating, missing Suraksha Shakti annex)

The most common rejection in Gujarat is using an outdated DISCOM annexure form (Suraksha Shakti) or entering the net-meter rating incorrectly. The meter must be rated for 110% of the solar inverter’s AC output — not the sanctioned load. This is a Gujarat-specific requirement that differs from most other states.

Maharashtra — MSEDCL, BEST, MAHADISCOM

Maharashtra’s MSEDCL serves the majority of the state and has the most detailed drawing format requirements of any Indian DISCOM. The MSEDCL net-metering portal (the Maharashtra Rooftop Solar Portal) requires digital submission, and the drawing package must include specific annexures (Annexure A through F) that are unique to MSEDCL.

Parameter	Details
Portal	Maharashtra Rooftop Solar Portal (MSEDCL), BEST has a separate process
TFR approval timeline	30–45 days for LT; 45–60 days for HT
Drawing format	4 sheets: SLD, GA, key plan, protection scheme — all with MSEDCL title block
Annexures required	Annexure E (technical details), Annexure F (consent letter)
CEIG threshold	Above 10 kW LT; all HT
Rejection rate (first pass)	~38% (missing annexures, wrong protection scheme format)

Tamil Nadu — TANGEDCO

TANGEDCO operates the net-metering programme under the Tamil Nadu Solar Energy Policy 2023. The drawing format requires a bidirectional energy meter explicitly called out in the SLD, with a specific notation format that TANGEDCO inspectors check against the physical installation at the commissioning inspection.

Parameter	Details
Portal	TANGEDCO e-portal (net metering section)
TFR approval timeline	20–35 days LT; 35–50 days HT
Drawing format	TANGEDCO SLD format with bidirectional meter notation; separate capacity calculation sheet
Module certification	ALMM required for MNRE scheme projects; TANGEDCO accepts non-ALMM for private LT connections
CEIG threshold	Above 50 kW
Rejection rate (first pass)	~32% (bidirectional meter notation missing or incorrect)

Karnataka — BESCOM, HESCOM, GESCOM, MESCOM

Karnataka’s BESCOM (serving Bangalore and surrounding districts) is the largest Karnataka DISCOM. BESCOM updated its net-metering format to “Revision 3” in Q4 2025 — making older drawing packages submitted with Revision 2 format subject to rejection.

Parameter	Details
Portal	BESCOM Sakala portal; other DISCOMs have separate offices
TFR approval timeline	20–35 days LT; 30–50 days HT
Drawing format	BESCOM format Rev 3 (Q4 2025 update); earthing certificate explicitly required
Earthing requirement	IS 3043 compliant earthing design shown in SLD; separate earthing calculation sheet
CEIG threshold	Above 10 kW
Rejection rate (first pass)	~30% (earthing certificate missing; Rev 3 format not used)

Rajasthan — JVVNL, AVVNL, JDVVNL

Rajasthan has a large solar project pipeline but a slower DISCOM administrative process — particularly for HT connections serving utility-scale projects. LT connections under 1 MW follow a separate expedited track.

Parameter	Details
Portal	RVPN portal for HT; each DISCOM manages LT separately
TFR approval timeline	20–35 days LT; 45–75 days HT
Drawing format	RVPN format for HT; DISCOM-specific for LT
Metering	HT connections require LT-side and HT-side metering both shown in SLD
CEIG threshold	Above 100 kW for LT; all HT
Rejection rate (first pass)	~35% (HT metering scheme incomplete)

Uttar Pradesh — PVVNL, DVVNL, MVVNL, PuVVNL

UP has the highest first-submission rejection rate of any major state — approximately 45%. The primary causes are: incorrect consumer number format on the application form, missing trade licence for industrial applicants, and using non-UP formats for the SLD.

Parameter	Details
Portal	UPNEDA portal (Rooftop Solar Portal); separate DISCOM portals
TFR approval timeline	30–60 days LT; 60–90 days HT
Drawing format	UP-specific format; consumer number must match utility bill exactly
Documentation	Trade licence or factory licence mandatory for industrial connections
CEIG threshold	Above 10 kW
Rejection rate (first pass)	~45% (consumer number mismatch, missing trade licence)

Other Major States (Summary Table)

State	Primary DISCOM	TFR Timeline (LT)	Key Format Requirement	First-Pass Rejection Rate
Andhra Pradesh	APEPDCL / APSPDCL	25–40 days	AP solar format; separate SPDCL/EPDCL forms	~30%
Telangana	TSSPDCL / TSNPDCL	25–40 days	TS solar format; export meter specification mandatory	~33%
Delhi	BSES Rajdhani, BRPL, TPDDL	20–35 days	DERC format; dual-metering scheme shown	~28%
Haryana	DHBVN / UHBVN	25–45 days	Haryana solar format; HES portal	~38%
Punjab	PSPCL	30–50 days	Punjab solar format; portal submission mandatory	~35%
Madhya Pradesh	MPPKVVCL / MPWZ	30–55 days	MP solar format; meter clearance zone callout	~40%

The DISCOM Submission Process — Step by Step

The net-metering submission process follows a consistent sequence across all states, regardless of DISCOM format differences.

1. Pre-application verification. Confirm the connection category (LT/HT), sanctioned load, and consumer number from the existing utility bill. Verify that the proposed solar capacity does not exceed the DISCOM’s net-metering limit for that connection category (typically 90% of sanctioned load for LT; varies for HT).

2. Drawing package preparation. Prepare the DISCOM Drawing Stack in the state-specific format. Commission structural certificate from a licensed structural engineer. Collect module and inverter datasheets with certification references.

3. Application form completion. Download the current version of the application form from the DISCOM portal. Do not use a form from the previous year — many DISCOMs revise forms annually. Fill all fields completely; partial applications are rejected.

4. Portal or office submission. Submit digitally via the DISCOM portal (now mandatory in most states) or physically at the DISCOM office (still accepted in some states for HT connections). Keep the submission acknowledgement with timestamp.

5. TFR review cycle. The DISCOM’s technical team reviews the submission. If the package is complete and format-correct, TFR approval is issued within the published timeline. If the submission has errors, a deficiency notice is issued — usually as a portal notification or a letter.

6. Deficiency resolution. Address the specific deficiency raised by the DISCOM and resubmit. The resubmission restarts the review clock — adding the full review timeline to the project schedule.

7. Metering infrastructure. After TFR approval, the DISCOM issues a notice for meter replacement or additional meter installation (bidirectional meter). The client coordinates metering installation with the DISCOM — this step is outside the EPC’s control.

8. Commissioning inspection and energisation. After metering, the DISCOM inspector visits for commissioning inspection (SLD verification, physical installation check). On approval, the net-metering agreement is signed and the system is energised.

Common DISCOM Rejection Causes (And How to Prevent Each)

Across 2,000+ DISCOM submissions processed through Heaven Designs, six rejection categories account for 87% of all first-pass rejections.

Rejection cause	Frequency	Prevention
Wrong drawing format / stale template	31%	Confirm last template update date with design firm before brief
Missing or incorrect annexure	22%	Use the DISCOM Drawing Stack checklist for every submission
Incorrect net-meter rating specification	15%	Use inverter AC output × 110% for net-meter rating, not sanctioned load
Missing structural certificate	12%	Require structural certificate as a parallel deliverable with IFC drawings
Consumer number mismatch	7%	Copy consumer number character-by-character from utility bill
Outdated application form	7%	Download form from portal immediately before submission

The complete guide to solar engineering for Indian EPCs covers how the DISCOM submission integrates into the broader 7-phase engineering workflow — including when to submit relative to the construction timeline.

Net Metering for HT vs. LT Connections: Key Engineering and Process Differences

The DISCOM net-metering process differs fundamentally between LT (Low Tension, below 11 kV) and HT (High Tension, 11 kV and above) connections. Most rooftop solar EPC teams are experienced with LT-connection submissions and routinely underestimate the complexity of HT net-metering — which has different engineering requirements, additional metering scheme documentation, and longer approval timelines in every state.

LT Connection Net Metering (typically below 100 kW system)

LT net-metering is the standard track for residential and small commercial systems. The key engineering requirements:

• Net-meter rating: Typically 110% of inverter AC output (not sanctioned load — a common error)
• Protection scheme: Anti-islanding at the inverter (software-based, no additional hardware relay in most LT cases)
• Earthing: IS 3043 compliant; typically combined with the building’s existing earthing system
• Metering: Single bidirectional meter at the existing service connection point

CEIG approval is not required for LT systems below 10 kW in most states (threshold varies: 50 kW in Tamil Nadu, 100 kW in Rajasthan). Above the state CEIG threshold, CEIG drawings are required even for LT connections.

HT Connection Net Metering (typically above 100 kW system)

HT net-metering involves a different approval track in every state — and in most states, it is significantly more complex than the LT track:

• Separate LT-side and HT-side metering is required in Rajasthan and several other states. The SLD must show both metering points, with the export measurement convention explicitly annotated. A drawing showing only one metering point is rejected.
• Protection relay scheme documentation is required at the HT level. Unlike LT systems where anti-islanding is inverter-software-based, HT connections require a protection relay panel with documented relay settings. The protection scheme drawing is a separate sheet — not embedded in the SLD.
• CEIG approval is mandatory for all HT connections in every state. The CEIG drawing set must be approved before the DISCOM processes the TFR for an HT connection.
• Transformer documentation: For projects connecting through a dedicated transformer, the transformer test certificate and protection coordination study are additional documents required by most HT-track DISCOMs.

Parameter	LT Connection	HT Connection
Metering scheme	Single bidirectional net-meter	LT-side + HT-side metering (some states); dedicated export meter
Protection documentation	Anti-islanding declaration (inverter software)	Protection relay scheme drawing; relay settings document
CEIG requirement	State-specific threshold (10–100 kW)	Mandatory in all states
TFR timeline	15–45 days (state-dependent)	30–90 days (state-dependent)
Additional documents	Standard drawing stack	Transformer test certificate; protection coordination study
First-pass rejection risk	28–45% (format and format errors)	45–65% (protection scheme and metering scheme errors)

How to Stay Current with DISCOM Format Changes

DISCOM drawing formats change more frequently than most EPCs track. Between Q1 2025 and Q2 2026, six major DISCOMs issued format updates that invalidated the previous template: MSEDCL (Annexure E update), BESCOM (Revision 3 format), UGVCL (Suraksha Shakti annex), APEPDCL (e-portal migration), TSSPDCL (export meter specification change), and PSPCL (portal-only submission mandate). An EPC using stale templates from any of these DISCOMs will face first-pass rejection until their design partner updates the format.

Sources for tracking DISCOM format changes:

1. DISCOM portal notifications. Every major DISCOM now publishes format updates on its portal — but the notifications are often buried in a “Circular” or “Notice” section rather than displayed prominently. Assign someone on your operations team to check your operating DISCOMs’ circular sections monthly.

2. SERC order database. State Electricity Regulatory Commissions issue orders that trigger DISCOM process changes. The SERC for your operating states (MERC for Maharashtra, GERC for Gujarat, KERC for Karnataka, etc.) publishes orders at their respective websites. A SERC order revising net-metering regulations typically requires a DISCOM format update within 90 days.

3. Industry networks. Solar Association of India (SEIA India), state-level solar associations, and EPC WhatsApp groups are typically the fastest channels for ground-level format change alerts — often reported by a project team that encountered a rejection before the official circular is published.

4. Design partner’s format library. A design partner that maintains an active DISCOM format library is the most reliable source for format currency. Heaven Designs tracks format changes across all 12 major states and updates templates within 30 days of any confirmed format change.

What to ask your design partner about format currency:

The right question is not “Do you have the MSEDCL format?” — every design firm will say yes. The right questions are:

• “When was your MSEDCL format last updated, and what was the trigger?”
• “Can you show us the current Annexure E with the 2026 update applied?”
• “What is your process for learning about DISCOM format changes before they cause a rejection?”

A design partner that can answer these questions specifically — with dates and document references — maintains a live format library. One that answers generically (“we always stay current”) is not maintaining systematic format tracking.

How Heaven Designs Manages DISCOM Submissions

Heaven Designs maintains an active DISCOM format library for all 12 major states covered in this guide, updated within 30 days of any format change published by the DISCOM or state regulator.

• Electrical CEIG Drawings — CEIG-ready and DISCOM-format electrical drawings for all major Indian states. DISCOM-specific title blocks, annexures, and format controls updated quarterly.
• Solar Rooftop Detailed Engineering Design — Full IFC-grade package including DISCOM drawing package as standard deliverable.
• STAAD Pro Reports — IS 875 structural certificates formatted for DISCOM and building permit submission.
• Solar Ground Mount Design — DISCOM and RVPN-format packages for ground-mount projects in Rajasthan and other utility-scale states.
• Download a sample — DISCOM-format drawing samples from MSEDCL, UGVCL, TANGEDCO projects.

Contact us to confirm DISCOM format coverage for your operating states and get a quote for DISCOM drawing package production.

FAQ

Can I submit to the DISCOM before construction begins?

Yes — and you should. In states with long TFR timelines (UP: 60+ days; Rajasthan HT: 45–75 days), submitting the net-metering application at project commencement (or before) ensures the metering and net-metering agreement are in place when construction finishes. Waiting until mechanical completion to submit means you hold the project at energisation for the full TFR timeline.

What happens if the DISCOM inspector finds discrepancies between the drawings and the installed system at commissioning inspection?

The inspector may require the EPC to: (a) correct the physical installation to match the drawings; (b) submit revised as-built drawings reflecting the field changes; or (c) both. The commissioning inspection is held after metering, so any inspection failure delays energisation by the full re-inspection cycle (typically 2–4 weeks). The risk is eliminated by ensuring as-built drawings accurately reflect the completed installation before the inspection date.

Does the DISCOM approval limit the size of the solar system?

Most DISCOMs in India limit net-metering capacity to 90–100% of the consumer’s sanctioned load (connected load). For a commercial connection with 100 kW sanctioned load, the maximum net-metering capacity is typically 90–100 kW. Systems sized above this limit must apply for gross metering or aggregate net metering — a different approval track with additional regulatory requirements. Confirm the capacity limit with the specific DISCOM before finalising the system size for a new project.

What is the net-metering banking period in India?

Banking periods — the duration for which exported solar energy can be offset against consumption — vary by state under SERC (State Electricity Regulatory Commission) regulations. Most states operate on a monthly banking cycle: export in a given month offsets consumption billed in the same month, with excess carrying forward to the next month at a reduced rate. Some states (Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra) have moved to annual banking under the 2022 Net Metering Regulations notified by CERC. The specific banking terms for your state are set by the relevant SERC, not the DISCOM.

Is there a single national net-metering format I can use across all states?

No. Net-metering is regulated at the state level under SERC jurisdiction, with the DISCOM as the implementing agency. There is no national drawing format. MNRE has issued guidelines (the National Solar Mission documentation), but individual DISCOM formats take precedence for submission purposes. Any design firm claiming to have a “national format” that works across all states is incorrect — the only way to achieve consistent first-pass acceptance across states is to maintain state-specific format libraries updated to each DISCOM’s current requirements.