Peak hours now cost 25% more
Under the MERC tariff order of 25 March 2026, industrial and commercial consumers pay 25% more for power used between 5 pm and midnight. Power used between 9 am and 5 pm gets a rebate of 15% (April–September) and 25% (October–March), rising to 20% and 30% after FY 2026-27.
Banked solar only in solar hours
For captive, open-access and C&I solar, energy banked during 9 am – 5 pm can now be drawn back only in the same solar hours, and unused banked units lapse every month. Plants that were oversized to cover evening use lose value.
Storage for new projects above 100 kW
Maharashtra’s Renewable Energy & Energy Storage Policy 2025–36 requires new renewable projects above 100 kW, including open access, to install energy storage. A September 2026 MERC draft proposes the same for rooftop and behind-the-meter systems above 100 kW.
What to do now
Size solar to your daytime load, add a battery (BESS) to move cheap daytime energy into the costly evening peak, and shift flexible loads into 9 am – 5 pm. Peak energy costs about ₹12 per unit, while stored energy works out at about ₹6 per unit.