DISCOM India: Distribution Utility Net Metering, Rooftop Solar Interconnection

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).

Getting from step 1 to step 7 without rework depends on the DISCOM application package matching what the local feasibility reviewer expects — SLDs, structural certificates, and inverter datasheets that already reference the DISCOM’s approved list. This is exactly the packaging work covered under solar permit design engineering.

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

Beyond the cap itself, several DISCOMs also apply banking charges, wheeling charges, or a cross-subsidy surcharge on exported solar units — see energy banking for how excess generation carried across billing cycles is actually settled.

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.

DISCOM approval timelines are one of the biggest variables in an Indian solar project’s schedule, and our state-wise breakdown of solar permit processing times in India lines up DISCOM turnaround against CEIG and SERC steps so EPCs can plan submissions state by state. For homeowners and installers who want the net metering mechanics explained in plainer terms, Heaven Green Energy’s net metering in India guide and its rooftop solar guide for Gujarat walk through how a state’s DISCOMs handle interconnection and billing for residential systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

11 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.

Does DISCOM policy differ for commercial versus residential rooftop solar?

Yes. Several states cap net metering size or eligibility differently by consumer category — for example Tamil Nadu allows net metering only up to 10 kW with gross metering above that, while Andhra Pradesh net-meters residential systems but gross-meters commercial ones. Always check the specific DISCOM's tariff order before quoting a commercial project.