But a hefty infusion of federal dollars under the Inflation Reduction Act could begin to change that, providing relief to households that pay a disproportionate amount of their income on energy. Panel installation can easily top $20,000, putting solar out of reach for many households with modest incomes. ![]() In Houston and across the nation, there are few solar-powered homes in lower-income areas. Climate change has increased the frequency and severity of the storms that have always battered this coastal city. ![]() A group of nonprofits installed her solar panels as part of a two-year project to create so-called hub homes to serve low-income communities during power outages. A party vibe prevailed as the 73-year-old community activist and her storm-tossed visitors weathered the downpour with snacks, popcorn and a nighttime breakfast of bacon, eggs and sausage.īrown’s single-family home has had solar power since the spring. The impromptu guests were able to charge their cellphones, power up their CPAP and portable oxygen machines, and take hot showers. Stakeholders and the public have the opportunity to contribute to the shaping of these rules during the comment period.HOUSTON - When a lightning storm knocked out power in Doris Brown’s Northeast Houston neighborhood this summer, her solar-powered home suddenly became a refuge for frantic neighbors left without electricity. In addition, the amendments define a timeline for testing meters, requiring distribution licensees to conduct meter tests within a specified period, not exceeding 30 days, upon receiving consumer complaints about meter readings. The amendments also emphasize the provision of individual connections for electricity supply to owners or occupiers in group housing societies, residential colonies, resident welfare associations (RWAs), or similar registered bodies.Īddressing the burgeoning need for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, the rules mandate distribution licensees to provide a separate connection for electricity supply to EV charging systems upon request by individual consumers or registered bodies. The licensee is then mandated to complete the connection agreement, meter installation, and commissioning of the solar PV system within a timeframe specified by the commission, not exceeding 15 days.Īuthorized under section 176 of the Electricity Act 2003, these amendments aim to modify the Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules 2020, known as the Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Second Amendment Rules 2023. Post-installation of solar PV systems, consumers are required to submit an installation certificate to the distribution licensee. In cases where the outcome of a technical feasibility study is not communicated within the stipulated period, it is presumed that the proposal is technically feasible. ![]() The responsibility for developing the necessary distribution infrastructure falls on the distribution licensee. Under the amendments, solar rooftop systems up to 10 KW will no longer require a technical feasibility study. The proposed amendments not only address consumer rights but also streamline procedures for the installation of solar rooftop systems. The draft, open for public scrutiny, invites stakeholders to provide comments within a 30-day window, concluding on January 12, 2024. The Ministry of Power has unveiled the draft Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Second Amendment Rules 2023, ushering in significant changes in the regulatory framework governing electricity rights for consumers.
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