What is Virtual Net Metering in Maharashtra?

Virtual Net Metering (VNM) allows multiple consumers like society members or offices to share energy credits from a single solar plant located elsewhere within the same DISCOM region in Maharashtra.

Who is eligible for Virtual or Group Net Metering?

Housing societies, corporate parks, commercial buildings, educational institutions, and industries in Maharashtra connected under MSEDCL or other DISCOMs can apply.

How does Virtual Net Metering work for societies?

A housing society can install a solar plant at a common or remote location, and the generated solar credits are shared virtually among all residents based on their consumption ratios.

How does Group Net Metering work for companies?

A company can install a solar power system at its main office, and excess generation is adjusted against power bills of its other branches or meters within the same distribution area.

What are the policies governing net metering in Maharashtra?

The Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) governs the policy under the MERC (Grid Interactive Rooftop Renewable Energy Generating Systems) Regulations, 2019, amended till 2023.

What are the registration costs for societies?

Registration fees vary by capacity and DISCOM, typically ₹1,000–₹2,500 for application, ₹500–₹1,000 for meter testing, and ₹5,000–₹15,000 for engineering approvals.

Is there a subsidy available for Virtual Net Metering?

Currently, MNRE subsidies apply to residential consumers under registered societies, covering up to 40% for systems below 3kW and 20% for 3–10kW systems.

What are the compliance requirements?

Applicants must submit system design, ownership proof, consent from meter holders, safety certification, and MSEDCL approval forms as per MERC norms.

How are energy credits calculated monthly?

Every month, MSEDCL issues a bill showing imported (consumed) and exported (generated) units. Net energy credits are carried forward or adjusted as per GNM/VNM ratios.

Can commercial buildings opt for group net metering?

Yes, commercial towers, IT parks, malls, and corporate campuses can apply under Group Net Metering if they have multiple consumer numbers within one DISCOM.

What documents are needed for application?

Documents include property ownership proof, load details, single-line diagram, inverter details, and consent forms from associated meter holders.

How long does MSEDCL take to approve applications?

Typically, 30–45 working days from application submission to net meter installation approval.

Can one plant serve multiple societies?

Yes, under Virtual Net Metering, one solar plant can share energy among multiple societies if connected within the same distribution region.

What is the maintenance cost for VNM systems?

Annual maintenance typically costs ₹3,000–₹5,000 per kW including cleaning, inverter servicing, and performance monitoring.

Can industries use net metering for captive consumption?

Yes, industrial units can use Group Net Metering for captive or shared energy usage across connected units or warehouses.

How is monthly management handled?

Energy credits and consumption data are tracked via MSEDCL’s online portal. Solar consultants or EPCs like The Green Bein assist in monthly monitoring.

Is third-party ownership allowed?

Yes, under RESCO models, third-party investors can install and manage solar systems while societies or companies pay per unit consumed.

Are net meters bi-directional?

Yes, all systems under VNM or GNM use bi-directional meters certified by MSEDCL to record both import and export of energy.

Where to apply for net metering in Maharashtra?

Applications can be made through the official MSEDCL Solar Rooftop Portal or via authorized solar EPC partners like The Green Bein.

Virtual And Group Net Metering in Maharashtra – A Complete 2025 Guide for Societies and Companies

TheGreen Bein
3 days ago
4 min read

Updated: 2 days ago

Collated by ChatGPT Edited by The Green Bein

Maharashtra Virtual and Group Net Metering — Credit - Mercom India

Understanding Virtual and Group Net Metering in Maharashtra

Net metering allows solar power users to offset the electricity they consume with the energy they generate. A bi-directional meter records both import (from the grid) and export (to the grid), ensuring consumers pay only for the “net” electricity used.

Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) and MSEDCL (Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Ltd.) regulate net metering under the Grid Interactive Rooftop Renewable Energy Regulations, recently updated in 2024.

What is Virtual Net Metering (VNM)?

Virtual Net Metering (VNM) enables multiple consumers — such as residents of a housing society — to share power from a single solar plant, even if the system isn’t installed on each rooftop.

The generated electricity is injected into the grid, and each participant receives credits on their monthly electricity bill based on their share of the generation.

Book a Free Consultation today

Key Highlights (as per MERC Amendment 2024):

Applicable to residential consumers in multi-storied buildings or housing societies.
Must be within the same distribution licensee area.
A lead person acts as coordinator with MSEDCL.
Open access charges and losses are waived until Maharashtra’s total rooftop capacity reaches 5,000 MW.
Maximum plant capacity cannot exceed the combined sanctioned load of participants.

What is Group Net Metering (GNM)?

Group Net Metering (GNM) benefits organizations or companies that own multiple electricity connections within the same distribution zone.They can install a single solar plant at one location and use the exported energy to offset power consumption across their other connections.

Example:If “ABC Industries” has factories in three locations under MSEDCL, a 500 kW solar system at one plant can offset usage across all three meters.

Simple Example of Virtual Net Metering for Societies

“Green Heights Society” installs a 100 kW solar plant on its terrace, out of the generated 12,000 units per month:

8,000 units are used for common facilities (lifts, pumps, lights).
The remaining 4,000 units are shared virtually among 40 flats (100 units per flat).Each flat receives 100 units credit on their MSEDCL bill, even though they don’t have rooftop panels individually.

Policy, Compliance & Registration Costs

Item	Approx Cost / Notes
Application Fee (VNM)	₹500 (up to 20 kW LT consumers) + ₹100 per extra 20 kW; HT consumers ₹5,000 (as per MSEDCL RTS portal).
Solar Plant Cost	₹40,000 – ₹70,000 per kW before subsidies.
Net Meter	Usually provided free by MSEDCL for rooftop solar users.
Vendor Registration (if applicable)	Empanelled vendors must provide a ₹2.5 lakh performance bank guarantee (valid 5 years).
Inspection / Feasibility Charges	Minimal, as per DISCOM’s technical process.
Compliance Requirements	MNRE-approved panels, BIS-certified inverters, single line diagram, ownership proof, energy sharing agreement.

Key Policy Documents:

MERC Second Amendment 2024 – Virtual Net Metering & Group Net Metering.
MSEDCL i-SMART Portal for rooftop solar applications.
SoP for Rooftop Solar Interconnection.

Learn More now

How It’s Managed on a Monthly Basis

Generation & Injection
1. Solar energy is generated and exported to the grid through the net meter.
Metering & Monitoring
1. MSEDCL records monthly export and import data for each meter via a bi-directional smart meter.
Energy Credit Allocation
1. In societies, credits are distributed to individual flats as per the pre-decided ratio.In companies, credits are distributed across grouped meters.
Billing & Settlement
- MSEDCL issues bills showing imported, exported, and net units.
- Excess generation is carried forward as credit for the next billing cycle.
- Surplus (after year-end) may be settled as per MERC norms.
Monthly Reconciliation
1. Societies or companies must maintain a generation log and reconcile with MSEDCL data. Any dispute should be reported within the billing period.
Annual Adjustments
1. Energy share ratios can be revised once per financial year (as per MERC clarification, 2025).

Step-by-Step Application Process for Societies / Companies

Feasibility Study – Assess rooftop space, consumption pattern, and load.
Select EPC Vendor – Must be MSEDCL-empanelled.
Apply Online – Through MSEDCL Virtual Net Metering Portal.
Upload Documents – Electricity bills, ID proofs, ownership documents, system design, sharing agreement.
Technical Feasibility & Inspection – DISCOM evaluates grid readiness.
Sign Agreement & Install Meter – Complete wiring and testing.
Commissioning & Billing – Plant goes live, credits appear on monthly bills.

20 FAQs on Virtual & Group Net Metering in Maharashtra

What is Virtual Net Metering (VNM)?
1. It allows multiple consumers in a society to share one solar plant and receive credits individually.
What is Group Net Metering (GNM)?
1. One consumer with multiple service connections can offset energy across those meters.
Who regulates VNM and GNM in Maharashtra?
1. The Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) and MSEDCL.
Who can apply for VNM?
1. Residential societies or apartments under one DISCOM zone.
Can a company apply for GNM?
1. Yes, if all its meters are under the same distribution licensee.
What documents are required?
1. Consumer bills, ID proofs, plant layout, ownership proof, energy-sharing agreement.
What is the cost to apply for virtual net metering?
1. ₹500 (≤ 20 kW LT) to ₹5,000 (HT) as per MSEDCL guidelines.
Is there a net meter charge?
1. MSEDCL currently provides solar net meters free of cost.
How are energy credits shared?
1. Based on the pre-defined ratio (per consumer’s share).
What if a participant leaves the society?
1. Their share is re-allocated; MSEDCL must be notified.
Is there any subsidy available?
1. Yes, through MNRE’s Rooftop Solar Subsidy Program and state schemes.
How long does approval take?
1. 30–45 days including feasibility and inspection.
What happens to excess units?
1. They are carried forward as credits in subsequent bills.
Can open access and net metering run together?
1. Yes — MERC allows dual use for eligible consumers (2025 clarification).
Are there any annual charges?
1. No separate annual fee; regular maintenance costs apply.
What if generation data mismatches billing?
1. The lead person can raise a complaint with MSEDCL for correction.
What is the maximum system capacity allowed?
1. Up to 1 MW or total sanctioned load (whichever is lower).
Do commercial users get VNM?
1. Currently, VNM is for residential consumers; GNM suits companies.
Who maintains the solar system?
1. The EPC vendor or society, under AMC or O&M contract.
Where can I check official VNM updates?
1. www.mahadiscom.in → “Rooftop Solar / Virtual Net Metering” section.

🌍 Final Takeaway

Virtual and Group Net Metering are Maharashtra’s next leap in shared renewable energy.For housing societies, it means solar without individual panels. For companies, it ensures maximum energy savings across locations.With clear policy direction from MERC and online facilitation via MSEDCL, 2025 is the perfect time to go solar collectively