A group of solar prosumers in Kerala has filed a writ petition in the Kerala High Court against the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB), challenging the imposition of fixed charges on electricity generated and consumed on-site through their own solar systems.
| Photo Credit:
KK Mustafah/businessline
A group of solar prosumers in Kerala has filed a writ petition before the Kerala High Court challenging the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) for imposing fixed charges on electricity generated and directly consumed by prosumers through their own on-grid solar systems.
The petition said that while these solar systems remain connected to the KSEB grid (on-grid), the portion of electricity generated and immediately consumed within the premises belongs solely to the prosumer and does not constitute a supply from KSEB. Imposing fixed charges on this self-consumed energy without any specific provision in the Electricity Act, 2003 or any tariff order approved by the Kerala State Electricity Regulatory Commission (KSERC) is arbitrary, unauthorized, and violative of constitutional and statutory protections.
Jameskutty Thomas, coordinator of Kerala Domestic Solar Prosumers Committee, submitted that prosumers who invest significantly in renewable energy infrastructure are unfairly treated on par with ordinary consumers relying entirely on grid supply. Fixed charges are being levied even on the energy not supplied by KSEB, violating Section 45 of the Electricity Act and KSERC’s regulations. No legal authority, tariff order, or regulation permits such billing practices.
It is also pointed out that the demand for security deposits calculated on total consumption — including self-generated and consumed energy — is equally arbitrary.
The petitioners have sought a directive to KSERC to consider and decide on pending representations submitted by prosumers regarding fixed charges and security deposits, a declaration that the imposition of fixed charges on self-consumed solar energy is unconstitutional and illegal, and a refund of all unauthorized collections made from prosumers.
This case has far-reaching implications for the promotion of solar energy in Kerala and sets a precedent on the rights of renewable energy investors under India’s electricity laws, the petitioners said.
Published on June 16, 2025
Anurag Dhole is a seasoned journalist and content writer with a passion for delivering timely, accurate, and engaging stories. With over 8 years of experience in digital media, she covers a wide range of topics—from breaking news and politics to business insights and cultural trends. Jane's writing style blends clarity with depth, aiming to inform and inspire readers in a fast-paced media landscape. When she’s not chasing stories, she’s likely reading investigative features or exploring local cafés for her next writing spot.
- ANURAG DHOLEhttps://indiatadkha.com/author/bitlancetechhubgmail-com/
- ANURAG DHOLEhttps://indiatadkha.com/author/bitlancetechhubgmail-com/
- ANURAG DHOLEhttps://indiatadkha.com/author/bitlancetechhubgmail-com/
- ANURAG DHOLEhttps://indiatadkha.com/author/bitlancetechhubgmail-com/
