CSERC Proposes Fifth Amendment to Electricity Supply Code 2025 to Boost Rooftop Solar and EV Charging in Chhattisgarh

Introduction

The Chhattisgarh State Electricity Regulatory Commission (CSERC) has unveiled comprehensive amendments to its electricity supply code through the Draft Fifth Amendment to the Chhattisgarh State Electricity Supply Code, 2025.1 These amendments, developed in alignment with recommendations from the Ministry of Power, Government of India, introduce significant reforms for rooftop solar installations and electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

Explanation (Key Points)

The amendment fundamentally restructures contract demand limits through a voltage-based categorization system that provides clearer guidelines for different consumer segments across Chhattisgarh’s electricity supply network. The revised framework establishes specific capacity limits for each voltage level: 230-volt supply carries a maximum limit of 5 kW, suitable for residential and small commercial applications; 440-volt supply accommodates up to 200 HP or 150 kW, serving medium-scale commercial and industrial consumers; 11 kV supply ranges from 60 kVA to 500 kVA, addressing larger commercial and small industrial requirements; 33 kV supply spans from 60 kVA to 15,000 kVA, serving major industrial consumers; 132 kV supply ranges from 4,000 kVA to 40,000 kVA for large industrial applications; and 220 kV supply accommodates the highest capacity range from 15,000 kVA to 1,50,000 kVA for major industrial and utility-scale consumers.

Rooftop solar provisions represent a transformative simplification of installation procedures that removes significant bureaucratic barriers for small-scale solar adoption. Consumers installing rooftop solar systems with capacity not exceeding 10 kW benefit from completely eliminated technical feasibility study requirements, reducing installation time, costs, and administrative complexity. This streamlined approach recognizes that small-scale rooftop installations pose minimal technical challenges to grid stability while supporting distributed generation development across the state.

The amendment introduces automatic contract demand adjustment mechanisms for rooftop solar installations where the proposed solar system capacity exceeds the consumer’s current contract demand. In such scenarios, the contract demand automatically increases to match the solar plant capacity, with consumers responsible for additional charges and security deposits as specified in the principal code provisions. This automatic adjustment mechanism eliminates bureaucratic delays and ensures that consumers can fully utilize their solar generation capacity without regulatory constraints.

Electric vehicle infrastructure development receives dedicated regulatory support through provisions allowing any non-domestic consumer to obtain separate LT/HT connections specifically for EV charging within the same premises. These dedicated connections must include appropriate metering and metering equipment as outlined in the supply code, facilitating the development of comprehensive EV charging infrastructure across commercial, industrial, and institutional sectors throughout Chhattisgarh.

The amendment introduces operational flexibility through provisions permitting consumers to switch to low tension (LT) connections provided their connected load does not exceed 150 kW. This flexibility addresses changing business requirements and operational patterns, allowing consumers to optimize their electrical connections based on actual usage patterns and cost considerations while maintaining system safety and reliability standards.

Legal authority for these amendments derives from CSERC’s comprehensive powers under various sections of the Electricity Act, 2003, enabling the Commission to regulate electricity supply, promote efficiency, and adapt regulations to emerging technological and market requirements. The Commission’s exercise of these statutory powers demonstrates proactive regulatory leadership in supporting clean energy adoption and electric mobility infrastructure development.

Implementation provisions specify that the amendment will come into force from the date of its publication in the official Gazette and will be applicable across the entire state of Chhattisgarh. This state-wide applicability ensures uniform regulatory treatment and eliminates regional variations that could create implementation challenges or competitive disadvantages for consumers in different areas of the state.

The amendment addresses practical operational considerations through detailed provisions for metering requirements, security deposit calculations, and connection procedures that ensure technical and financial integrity while supporting new technology adoption. These provisions balance regulatory flexibility with operational requirements and cost recovery needs of distribution utilities.

Consumer protection measures within the amendment ensure that simplified procedures do not compromise safety standards or technical requirements while providing clear guidelines for consumers seeking to adopt rooftop solar or establish EV charging facilities. The amendment maintains appropriate technical standards while removing unnecessary bureaucratic barriers that could impede clean energy adoption.

Conclusion

CSERC’s Fifth Amendment represents a forward-thinking regulatory reform that addresses contemporary energy needs while maintaining system reliability and operational integrity. The amendment’s comprehensive approach to simplifying rooftop solar procedures, supporting EV charging infrastructure development, and restructuring contract demand categories demonstrates effective regulatory adaptation to emerging technologies and changing energy consumption patterns.