Raipur (Chhattisgarh) [India], October 29 (HBTV): Chhattisgarh has emerged as one of the pioneering states in implementing Virtual Net Metering (VNM) under the PM Surya Ghar Yojana, positioning itself among the early adopters of this clean energy initiative in India.
The VNM solar project has been launched for apartment dwellers, housing societies, and government establishments with limited rooftop space. It allows them to share the benefits of a single solar plant, reduce electricity bills, and contribute to a greener future.
Raipur has become the first city in India to successfully implement VNM in a residential society, and the state government is now planning to expand the model across other parts of Chhattisgarh, said PM Surya Ghar scheme’s Nodal Officer, Bimbisar, according to a release.
According to the release, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said the success of the Virtual Net Metering project reflects the state’s proactive efforts in advancing renewable energy.
‘Our state government remains committed to realising Prime Minister Modi’s vision of promoting solar energy for a clean and green India. The success of this Virtual Net Metering project highlights Chhattisgarh’s proactive efforts in advancing renewable energy and sets a benchmark for other states to emulate,’ the Chief Minister said.
Chhattisgarh’s first VNM has been installed at Parthivi Pacific residential society in Tatibandh, Raipur, where multiple apartments are now collectively benefiting from a single solar installation. This model helps overcome space constraints and significantly reduces electricity bills.
Residents have reported major savings after adopting the solar system, receiving credits for nearly 300 units of power, which drastically reduced their electricity costs. For instance, one resident saw their monthly bill drop from about INR 2,500 to INR 250, with the exact savings varying based on individual consumption.
A total of 20 families jointly invested in the solar project under the Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) model, owning the solar plant from day one. The project cost approximately INR 24 lakh, with each resident receiving a Central government subsidy of around INR 78,000 on their individual investment of INR 1.20 lakh.
Recently, the Chhattisgarh government further boosted the initiative by offering an additional subsidy of INR 30,000, making the investment even more attractive for residents.
Sharing his experience, resident Guru Prasad Singh said, ‘PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana has made solar adoption affordable, lowered my household electricity bills, and allowed me to contribute to India’s clean energy transition. I truly appreciate this progressive initiative by the Central and Chhattisgarh governments, which empowers citizens while promoting sustainability and energy self-reliance.’
Explaining the benefits of VNM, a senior engineer from the Chhattisgarh State Power Distribution Company Limited (CSPDCL) provided an example to illustrate how it works.
He said that if an apartment complex installs a 100 kW solar plant on its rooftop, the entire system connects to a common export meter through which the generated solar power is fed into the distribution grid. The total electricity produced is then shared among all flats based on their ownership share.
For example, if Flat A has a 10% share, it receives credit for 10% of the total energy generated, while Flat B, with a 5% share, gets credit for 5%. These credits are then reflected in each flat’s monthly electricity bill, effectively reducing costs while enabling access to clean solar power without installing individual panels.
‘Virtual Net Metering is a game-changer for urban consumers, enabling shared solar benefits, reducing bills, and accelerating clean energy adoption across Chhattisgarh,’ said Rohit Yadav, Chairperson of Chhattisgarh State Power Companies and Secretary of the Energy Department.
(ANI)