MERC (Distribution Open Access) Regulations, 2026 — draft
Comments due (reported): 12 October 2026
Maharashtra's regulator has proposed new distribution open access rules that tie new renewable projects to storage, open green open access to consumers from 100 kW and rework RE banking.
Why it matters. Maharashtra is a large C&I open access market; a storage condition on new RE and new banking slots change project economics for corporate buyers.
What changes
- New RE projects to add storage equal to 50% of connectivity capacity for 2 hours, or 25% for 4 hours; pumped hydro projects are exempt.
- Green energy open access open to consumers with 100 kW contracted demand (aggregation allowed), with exemption from cross-subsidy and additional surcharge.
- Dedicated storage and green hydrogen or ammonia production also exempt from surcharges.
- Banking: fixed monthly charge plus variable charge on banked energy; 4 to 24 daily time slots; 10% per-slot cap for consumers with more than 5 MW of RE; 15-minute scheduling within three years.
- RE and storage of 1–5 MW may connect directly to the distribution network; above 5 MW needs a technical feasibility study.
- Application fee of ₹2 lakh (₹1 lakh for RE and storage); decisions within 120–180 days.
Who is affected
C&I consumers in Maharashtra · RE developers · Storage developers · MSEDCL · Green hydrogen producers
Sources
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