Pune: Renewable Energy Body Slams MERC Order, Calls It a Threat to Industry and Solar Growth
Pune, 5th July 2025: The All India Renewable Energy Association (AIREA) has strongly criticized the latest order issued by the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC), warning that it poses a severe economic threat to the state’s industrial sector and could adversely impact the solar energy industry. Association officials have demanded the implementation of the previous decision to reduce electricity tariffs, arguing that the state government is hindering green energy progress even as the central government prioritizes it. They claim this could set back Maharashtra’s development.
Vivek Sutar, district director, and Santosh Surana, regional director of the association, stated in a press conference that the new order, issued on 25th June without stakeholder consultation, proposes a tariff hike for industries and restricts net metering benefits for solar projects above 10 kW capacity. This means industries will have to buy more expensive power, threatening the viability of the solar sector and raising fears that businesses may relocate to other states.
The association also highlighted that hotels and businesses operating in the evening and night will be hit hard by the new rules, which now limit the use of surplus solar energy to between 8 am and 5 pm, rather than the previous 6 pm to 10 pm window. They warned that unless the commission reconsiders its decision and implements earlier tariff reductions, they may be forced to launch protests.
The association has appealed to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to intervene and prioritize the interests of industries, businesses, and consumers in the state.
