The Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission has announced solar tariff regulations, even as new power tariffs for the Capital are expected soon, said a report in the Hindu.

The DERC adopted the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission's terms and conditions for the tariff related to solar power, keeping in line with the Jawaharlal Nehru Solar Power Mission (JNNSM) guidelines.

The cost of solar power has been fixed up to Rs 17 per unit by the CERC tariff for renewable energy sources, but according to the DERC order the discoms will charge Rs 5.50 per unit from consumers for green power. The power purchase cost and the subsidy amount will be generation-based incentives (GBI) provided by the ministry of new and renewable energy.

Also, under the existing tariff order of Delhi, up to 1 per cent of power procured by the discoms can be taken from renewable sources. The order will also cover plant sizes lower than 1 MW until the CERC prescribes separate rates for the category.

Companies or individuals who wish to set up solar projects will also be able to tie-up with the discoms to benefit from the GBI scheme.

The MNRE had announced the guidelines under the JNNSM this past year under which States are eligible for a major subsidy on solar power for projects of up to 20 MW.

To register with the Ministry and benefit from the scheme, all States were asked to announce their solar power tariffs by July 15. The scheme is being offered for a maximum generation of 20 MW for a period of 25 years.