Definition
DISCOM (Distribution Company) is the state-licensed electricity distribution utility in India responsible for retail supply, metering, and net-metering interconnection of rooftop solar. Examples: MSEDCL (Maharashtra), BESCOM (Karnataka), TANGEDCO (Tamil Nadu).
Quick Facts
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Term | DISCOM — Distribution Company |
| Category | India Solar Regulations |
| Regulatory Body | State Electricity Regulatory Commission (SERC) |
| Difficulty Level | Beginner |
Major Indian DISCOMs
| State | DISCOMs |
|---|---|
| Maharashtra | MSEDCL, Adani Electricity Mumbai, Tata Power, BEST |
| Karnataka | BESCOM, MESCOM, HESCOM, CESCOM, GESCOM |
| Tamil Nadu | TANGEDCO |
| Gujarat | UGVCL, MGVCL, DGVCL, PGVCL, Torrent Power |
| Delhi | BSES Rajdhani, BSES Yamuna, Tata Power Delhi |
| Andhra Pradesh | APSPDCL, APCPDCL, APEPDCL |
| Telangana | TSSPDCL, TSNPDCL |
| Rajasthan | JVVNL, AVVNL, JdVVNL |
| West Bengal | WBSEDCL, CESC |
| Uttar Pradesh | UPPCL (PVVNL, MVVNL, KESCO, DVVNL, PuVVNL) |
DISCOM Interconnection Workflow
- Online application via the DISCOM’s solar portal.
- Technical feasibility study — verifies transformer capacity, voltage stability.
- Net metering agreement — bilateral contract.
- CEIG inspection (for systems ≥ 10 kW).
- Bidirectional meter installation.
- Energization & meter testing.
- PTO (Permission to Operate).
Net Metering Caps by State (2024)
| State | Residential | Commercial | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maharashtra | Up to 1 MW | Up to 1 MW | Net metering |
| Karnataka | 1 kW – 1 MW | 1 kW – 1 MW | Net metering |
| Tamil Nadu | Up to 10 kW | Gross only | Net metering small only |
| Gujarat | Up to 1 MW | Up to 1 MW | Net metering |
| Delhi | Up to 1 MW | Up to 1 MW | Net metering |
| Rajasthan | Up to 1 MW | Up to 1 MW | Net metering |
| Andhra Pradesh | Up to 1 MW | Gross metering | Net metering small only |
Key Takeaways
- DISCOM is the state distribution utility responsible for retail electricity supply and rooftop solar interconnection.
- Each Indian state has 1–5 DISCOMs; rules vary by state and SERC tariff orders.
- DISCOM approval typically takes 30–120 days depending on system size.
- Net metering caps and rules vary widely — verify the specific DISCOM’s tariff before quoting.
- CEIG approval needed for systems ≥ 10 kW alongside DISCOM application.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 commonly searched questions about DISCOM.
What is a DISCOM?
Distribution Company — the state-regulated utility that buys electricity wholesale, distributes it through the local grid, and bills end customers. Each Indian state has one or more DISCOMs.
What's the DISCOM's role in solar?
DISCOM approves rooftop solar interconnection, installs the bidirectional net meter, processes net metering applications, and handles billing reconciliation.
Which DISCOM applies to me?
Depends on your service address. Mumbai: Adani/Tata Power/BEST/MSEDCL. Delhi: BSES Rajdhani/BSES Yamuna/Tata Power Delhi. Bengaluru: BESCOM. Chennai: TANGEDCO. Each state has 1–5 DISCOMs.
How long does DISCOM approval take?
Residential: 30–60 days. Commercial: 60–120 days. Utility-scale: 6–18 months including CEA Connectivity studies.
What documents does DISCOM need?
Application form, sanction load proof, ownership documents, SLD, inverter datasheet (must be in DISCOM-approved list), structural certificate, CEIG approval (for ≥10 kW), MNRE-listed module certification, ALMM proof.
Does DISCOM require specific inverters?
Yes. Most state DISCOMs maintain an approved inverter list. Inverter must meet IEC 62116 anti-islanding plus state-specific requirements.
What is net metering cap?
Each state has its own. Maharashtra: 100% of sanctioned load for residential, up to 1 MW. Karnataka: 100% of sanctioned load. Tamil Nadu: net metering ≤ 10 kW; gross metering above. Delhi: 100% of sanctioned load, up to 1 MW.
Does DISCOM charge extra for solar?
Some DISCOMs apply 'banking charges,' 'wheeling charges,' or 'cross-subsidy surcharge' for solar export. Varies by state and tariff category.
Can DISCOM refuse my solar interconnection?
Rarely. They may delay or require additional studies for systems exceeding distribution transformer capacity (typically when local rooftop solar penetration is high).
Is DISCOM the same as state electricity board?
Often the successor of pre-2003 SEBs (State Electricity Boards). DISCOMs are corporatized distribution arms post the Electricity Act 2003.
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