Stories
MCD Approves Solar Plan for 1,100 Civic Buildings, Zero Capital Expenditure
- •The Delhi Municipal Corporation (MCD) has approved a unified rooftop solar plan to power approximately 1,100 civic buildings without any direct capital expenditure.
- •The proposal, cleared in a House Meeting, allows Indraprastha Power Generation Company Limited (IPGCL) to conduct feasibility assessments and install solar systems under the Delhi Solar Energy Policy, 2023.
- •This new plan replaces MCD's earlier intention to float a separate tender, instead adopting the state power department's framework.
- •The Delhi government, through IPGCL, will cover the capital expenditure or long-term operational costs under the RESCO model, relieving MCD of financial burden.
- •MCD will benefit from Group Net Metering, allowing surplus power from one building to offset consumption at another, potentially reducing electricity expenditure.
Key Questions Answered
The Delhi Municipal Corporation approved a unified rooftop solar plan to equip about 1,100 civic buildings with solar power without direct capital expenditure. Under this plan, Indraprastha Power Generation Company Limited (IPGCL) will undertake feasibility assessments and install solar systems at eligible municipal properties pursuant to the Delhi Solar Energy Policy, 2023.
Under the RESCO model, a third-party firm sets up, runs, and maintains the solar power system on the premises while the client pays exclusively for the generated electricity. The Delhi government bears the capital expenditure or long-term operational costs through IPGCL, lifting the financial burden off the MCD.
Group Net Metering allows surplus power generated at one municipal building to be adjusted against consumption at another. Any annual surplus electricity is either carried forward or credited at approximately Rs 5 per unit, which helps lower the civic body's electricity expenses.
