Up to 1,500 Pune MSMEs hit by new solar grid charges

Pune: The solar grid charges and revised banking rules implemented from April 1, 2026, have sharply reduced the benefits of captive solar projects for 800–1,500 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Pune district, said Manish Konde, general secretary of the business cell of the Maharashtra Nationalist Congress Party (NCP)."These MSMEs had shifted to 100% solar-based manufacturing and were saving nearly Rs 10 lakh per month on electricity. After the new rules, savings have dropped to around Rs 2 lakh," Konde said at a press briefing in Pune on Tuesday.The Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Ltd (MSEDCL) has introduced a grid support charge of Rs 1.96 per unit for solar projects with capacities above 10 kW. Most MSMEs operate solar systems of 60–70 kW, making them liable for the charge. The NCP has demanded a rollback, stating that the move discourages further adoption of solar energy."These charges are levied on installed capacity rather than actual consumption, creating a double burden for units that invested in solar four to five years ago," said Sagar Shingare, vice-chairman of the NCP's business cell for western Maharashtra. He added that up to 10,000 MSMEs across the state are affected.The Baramati Industries Development Association (BIDA), representing 650 MSMEs, has also raised concerns. "The sector is already under stress due to tariffs and global factors. Several units have cut jobs. Around 300 MSMEs here had installed solar projects, while many others have now deferred plans," said director Harish Khade.Khade said his 125 kW solar plant generates about 18,000 units monthly, with an EMI of Rs 1.5 lakh offset by savings of Rs 2 lakh earlier. "Now, an added Rs 36,000 grid charge has reduced the net benefit," he said.
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