- A SERC relaxation is a state regulator's change to tariff, net-metering or charges that PM-KUSUM EPCs must follow.
- MNRE sets the central scheme; each SERC/RERC sets the state rules that move your project economics.
- Orders change Component A tariffs and Component C net-metering and surplus rules most.
- Every figure on this page is illustrative — verify against the latest order, status as of 19 Jun 2026.
- Track orders per state, per project, and store the order reference against each tender.
PM-KUSUM is a central scheme, but it runs on state rails. Your tariff, your net-metering cap and your surplus payment are all set by your State Electricity Regulatory Commission. When that regulator issues a new order, your project economics can shift overnight. This guide shows you what to track and how.
What a SERC relaxation is
A SERC relaxation is a change a State Electricity Regulatory Commission makes to a rule that affects PM-KUSUM work — usually net-metering, capacity caps, banking and wheeling charges, or the tariff a DISCOM pays. MNRE sets the central scheme, but the SERC turns those guidelines into binding state orders. "RERC" is just the name in Rajasthan; "KERC" in Karnataka; "MERC" in Maharashtra. They all do the same job.
The word "relaxation" can mean the regulator made a rule easier — for example, lifting a capacity cap, allowing surplus export on an agri feeder, or simplifying a connectivity step. It can also mean a tariff revision or a new charge. Read each order on its own terms; do not assume a relaxation always helps you.
Why PM-KUSUM EPCs must track SERC orders
PM-KUSUM EPCs must track SERC orders because the rules that decide whether a job makes money are set at state level and change often. A new tariff order can raise or cut your Component A return. A net-metering order can decide whether a Component C2 feeder earns surplus income. If you bid or build on an old assumption, you carry the loss.
Multi-state EPCs feel this most. A rule that helps you in one state may not exist in the next. The same pump job can have different surplus settlement, different banking charges and a different connectivity step across two neighbouring states. Tracking is not optional once you cross a state line — see our multi-state operations guide for the wider playbook.
What a SERC can change in PM-KUSUM
A SERC can change several things that touch agri-solar directly. Knowing the categories helps you read any order fast.
- Feed-in / PPA tariff — the rate a DISCOM pays a Component A developer per unit.
- Net-metering rules — whether and how a solarised pump or feeder can export surplus.
- Capacity caps — the maximum plant or connection size allowed under net-metering.
- Banking and wheeling charges — what the grid charges to store or move your units.
- Surplus settlement — how unused exported energy is paid or carried forward.
- Connectivity and CEIG steps — the approvals and timelines for grid connection.
State SERC order tracker
The table below is a tracking template, not a rulebook. Every entry is illustrative and points you at the regulator to check. Treat each line as "confirm against the latest order" before you bid or build.
Source: state SERC/RERC order pages and MNRE guidelines. Every row is illustrative — verify against the latest order, status as of 19 Jun 2026.
Net-metering relaxations for solar pumps
Net-metering relaxations decide whether a solarised agricultural pump or feeder can sell its surplus power to the grid, and at what value. For Component C2 feeder solarisation, this is often the difference between a plain energy saving and a real income stream for the DISCOM and farmers.
The KERC example (illustrative)
Karnataka's regulator (KERC) has issued orders touching solar pumps and net-metering over the years. We use it here only as an example of the type of order to watch — not as a current rule. Confirm it is recent and pair it with at least one other live state order before you rely on it. The point is the pattern: a state can open or close surplus export for agri solar by order.
Pair the example with a current order
Never bid on one example. If you read a KERC order, also pull the matching order from the state you are actually working in. Our Component C2 surplus income guide and the agri-pump net-metering page go deeper on how surplus is valued.
Tariff and capacity tweaks
Tariff and capacity tweaks change the headline economics of a Component A plant. The SERC approves the rate a DISCOM pays per unit, and it can revise that rate, the connection capacity, or the charges layered on top. A small tariff change across a 20-year PPA is a large change in lifetime return.
Benchmark costs from MNRE also reset from time to time, which interacts with state tariffs. See our benchmark cost revisions guide for how those central numbers move. Always treat a tariff figure as "verify against the latest order, status as of 19 Jun 2026".
How to read a SERC order fast
Read a SERC order by checking the date first, then the operative part. The date tells you if it is current; the operative paragraphs tell you what actually changed. Skip the recital and go to the order section.
- Check the date and order number — older orders may be superseded.
- Find the operative paragraphs — the "it is ordered" or "Commission directs" section.
- Note the applicability — which component, capacity range and category it covers.
- Note the effective date — when the rule starts, and any sunset clause.
- Cross-check the DISCOM circular — the DISCOM often issues its own follow-up.
Build a SERC tracking workflow
Build a simple tracking workflow so no order surprises you. The goal is a single record per state that you review on a set cadence, with the order reference saved against each affected project.
A monthly or quarterly review
Set a recurring review — monthly if you are very active, quarterly otherwise. Check each state regulator's orders page, the state nodal agency circulars and the DISCOM notices. Log any change, its date, and which of your live jobs it touches. The pages in our deadlines and timeline tracker pair well with this routine.
How SuryaHub helps you track SERC changes
SuryaHub keeps each state's tariff, net-metering and charge assumptions in one place, tied to the projects that depend on them. When a new SERC order lands, you update the assumption once and see every job it affects, instead of hunting through spreadsheets. SuryaHub's government-workflows module stores the order reference against each tender, and the analytics view flags projects priced on stale rules. SuryaHub is pre-revenue; real pilots are Suryantra Energy and RGESPL, and every figure here is a scheme estimate, not a guarantee.
Track every state's rules in one place
See how SuryaHub links SERC orders to the projects they affect.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
What is a SERC relaxation in PM-KUSUM?+
A SERC relaxation in PM-KUSUM is a change a State Electricity Regulatory Commission makes to net-metering, capacity, charges or tariff rules that affect agri-solar work. MNRE sets the central scheme, but each SERC issues state orders that EPCs must follow. Always verify against the latest order.
Why must PM-KUSUM EPCs track SERC orders?+
PM-KUSUM EPCs must track SERC orders because tariffs, net-metering caps, banking charges and surplus settlement rules are set at state level and change often. A new SERC order can move the economics of a Component A plant or a Component C2 feeder, so missing it can cost money or stall a job.
Can a SERC change the PM-KUSUM tariff?+
Yes. A SERC approves and revises the feed-in tariff a DISCOM pays a Component A developer, and can change net-metering and surplus-settlement rules for Component C. The central scheme sets the frame, but the SERC order fixes the state tariff. Confirm the current figure with the latest SERC order.
Where do I find the latest SERC order for PM-KUSUM?+
Find the latest SERC order on the website of the State Electricity Regulatory Commission for your state, usually under orders or tariff sections, and cross-check the state nodal agency and DISCOM circulars. The Forum of Regulators site links to every SERC. Always read the most recent dated order.
Do SERC relaxations apply to all PM-KUSUM components?+
SERC relaxations mainly affect Component A tariffs and Component C net-metering and surplus rules, because those touch the grid. Component B standalone pumps are off-grid, so SERC net-metering rules rarely apply, though state subsidy and procurement terms still vary. Verify each component against the latest order.
How does SuryaHub help track PM-KUSUM SERC changes?+
SuryaHub keeps each state’s tariff, net-metering and charge assumptions in one place per project, so a new SERC order updates the jobs it affects. SuryaHub also stores the order reference against each tender. SuryaHub is pre-revenue; real pilots are Suryantra Energy and RGESPL.
Sources & references
SERC powers, tariff orders and net-metering rules come from each state regulator and from MNRE scheme guidelines. Always confirm the current rule against the latest dated order for your state.
- Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) ↗
PM-KUSUM scheme guidelines and office memorandums that SERCs adapt.
- National PM-KUSUM Portal ↗
Scheme dashboard and state implementation status.
- Forum of Regulators / state SERC sites ↗
Links to each State Electricity Regulatory Commission and its orders.
Written by the SuryaHub team · reviewed against MNRE, PM-KUSUM portal & state SERC sources · updated 19 June 2026.
Method: Regulatory categories are drawn from MNRE guidelines and state SERC orders; every state entry is illustrative and labelled to verify against the latest order. SuryaHub is pre-revenue; only Suryantra Energy and RGESPL are real pilots.
Change log: 19 Jun 2026 — first published.