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Indefinite hunger strike by solar companies against MERC's draft solar policy at Nagpur :

MERC's (Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission) draft on New RE Policy is the biggest injustice for the RE Users and RE Business entities and entire RE Industry, it is forceful imposition of undue and unwanted clauses in the said Net Billing Policy and against the right of use of Renewable Energy Sources. It is rumored that there may be some vested interest of few large private electricity distribution companies who are looking to take over ailing solar companies, ailing discom at throwaway price influencing the policy.

Presently in state of Maharashtra, for Renewable Energy “Net Metering Policy” is in force and a big number of RE users are enjoying the benefits of RE Generation by installing RE Systems at their Rooftops/places. The MERC had introduced this policy sue-motto in the year 2015 to boost the Renewable Energy Generation in the state.

But now, the Maha-Discom submitted a petition to the MERC that instead of “Net Metering Policy” MERC should introduce “Net Billing policy” and considering the petition of Maha-Discom the MERC has proposed a new regulation and Draft of the same is introduced on the internet. MERC has called for objections/suggestions on the said Draft of new RE Policy.

RE workers from entire state of Maharashtra has sent objections/suggestions to MERC. Hon. Union Minister, Ex Energy Minister of the State, MLAs, many other public leaders, distinguished thinkers, Engineer, persons in the society, a big number of Industrial/Social/Educational Associations have also sent their objections/suggestions to the MERC. There are about 40,000 such objections/suggestions received by the MERC. MERC has kept mum on the issue so far.

If the proposed New RE Policy is introduced, according to the new proposal, i.e. Net Billing policy, the generation of energy generated from Renewable Energy sources will be hampered. General Citizens of the state as well as business / industrial consumers who want to generate energy for their own use through Renewable Energy sources will be highly de-motivated, it is also against the basic right of energy generation, and thousands of businessmen who are dealing with Renewable Energy Source equipment and millions of people who depend on such professionals will suddenly become unemployed.

Solar companies adopted a democratic approach to oppose this proposed new Renewable Energy policy, many solar companies, solar consumers, green activists have started the the agitation along with Mr. Devendra Ranade of MM Solar Pvt. Ltd. along with Mr. Amit Deotale, Director Green Life Solutions Pvt. Ltd. Nagpur and Mr. Pankaj Gade of Ishaan Energy Savers, Nagpur who have started the Hunger Strike from December 7th 2019 at Sanvidhan Square, Nagpur.

This issue is not merely limited to any individual or business, it is a very serious issue dealing with Renewable Energy sources and fast running conventional energy sources. In addition to pollution, environmental degradation, the basic right of energy conservation and generation of the general public is hampered. Conservation of Renewable Energy Sources is also an urgent need of the hour.

Solar companies have requested all Media Publication House to publicize it, as it is very important to give this movement a lot of broad and thorough publicity so that the general citizens of the state, the state government and the industry at the grassroots level can understand it very intensely.

There is no doubt that the media is a very effective pillar of democracy and you are carrying out your responsibilities in full force. Equally, solar companies have requested them to help the subject in every aspect and interest of the state, industry and the common man with great publicity and effective publicity to bring about a renewed boost to the Renewable Energy Source Sector.

Many publications have published the news as on 08.12.19 as well but no statement from MERC has come forward yet. People are anxiously awaiting to hear from MERC.

On 9th December, 11.00 am many solar companies based on at Mumbai are planning to Meet MERC officials at their Head Office, Caffe Parade, South Mumbai to submit the application once again for early announcement about about solar policy so that hunger strike can be ended and businessmen could return to their as usual business.

Due to the uncertainty, solar business in Maharashtra suffering a huge setback, consumers hold back the decisions, promoters awaiting for verdict to invest, hundreds of EPC companies with thousands of employees facing a financial burden and looking for MERC's next order on solar business. The policy will have a long run impacts in Indian renewable sector and industrial growth.

India's GDP growth can be accelerated if proper attention is given to industry friendly energy policy. Government must look into the matter and publish a simple futuristic solar guideline as soon as possible.

News 08-12-2019 11:52:49