The Odisha Electricity Regulatory Commission (OERC) has amended its net metering and bi-directional metering framework for rooftop solar systems, aligning the state regulations with recent Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) guidelines.

According to the Commission, the amendments were necessary to reflect advancements in rooftop solar technology, the rising adoption of solar-plus-storage systems, and updated national monitoring protocols.

The amendment introduces multiple changes, most notably the formal inclusion of hybrid inverters, a category of bi-directional inverters capable of operating with both solar modules and energy storage systems.

Under the new Clause 2(f), a hybrid inverter is defined as a device that manages power flow between solar generation, storage, consumer load, and the grid. It supports both grid-interactive and stand-alone modes of operation.

In line with this definition, Clause 7 has been revised to explicitly permit consumers to install either grid-tied or hybrid inverters for rooftop solar systems enabled under net metering.

In a move aimed at harmonizing Odisha’s rules with central and state programs, the Commission has inserted a provison in Clause 8 stating that for installations under any central or state government programs, such as PM Surya Ghar, the conditions of that program will prevail even if they differ from OERC’s net-metering order. This effectively gives program-level requirements priority over the standard state framework.

The amendment also addresses MNRE’s mandate on digital monitoring of rooftop solar generation. Clause 10 has been updated to allow inverter-integrated communication devices, dongles, or data loggers using machine-to-machine SIM protocols for real-time solar generation data. These devices may be used instead of a separate generation meter, subject to compliance with MNRE instructions on data transmission.

In July, MNRE mandated that all original equipment manufacturers enlisted to supply inverters under PM Surya Ghar integrate inverter communication devices with the rooftop solar program portal.

A newly added Clause 10(d) clarifies cost and responsibility for metering and communications infrastructure. It states that eligible consumers must bear the cost of meters, connectivity, and associated installation work. Meters may be procured either by the consumer or the DISCOM. The DISCOM must carry out installation and testing in accordance with the Central Electricity Authority’s Metering Regulations and the OERC’s Supply Code.

Further technical tightening has been introduced through the replacement of Clause 14(h), which now requires that inverters used under net metering be sine-wave inverters that meet the harmonic limits prescribed in IEEE 519.

Additionally, all inverters must comply with MNRE-mandated standards, including IS 16221 (Part 2):2015 / IEC 62109-2:2011 for safety and IS 16169:2019 / IEC 62116:2014 for anti-islanding test procedures. Clause 14(f) has also been adjusted to ensure consistent terminology referencing grid-tied inverters alongside the newly permitted hybrid category.

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