Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Ltd has clarified that the recently introduced Grid Support Charge (GSC) applies to only a small category of electricity consumers in the state, primarily high-load rooftop solar users.

According to MSEDCL, the charge is applicable only to rooftop solar consumers with a sanctioned electricity load above 10 kilowatts. The utility stated that the move affects merely 2.5% of domestic rooftop solar consumers in Maharashtra.

The state currently has around 3.17 crore electricity consumers, of which only 44,246 consumers—approximately 0.14%—fall within the scope of the Grid Support Charge. Among residential users, only 16,410 consumers are liable to pay the surcharge. In addition, the charge will apply to only 2% of industrial consumers and 0.55% of commercial consumers using rooftop solar systems.

MSEDCL said the surcharge has been implemented in accordance with the tariff order issued on March 25, 2026, by the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission.

The Grid Support Charge came into effect after Maharashtra crossed the milestone of 5,000 MW rooftop solar capacity earlier this year. The revised threshold replaces the previous 2,000 MW benchmark approved in 2019, reflecting the rapid growth of rooftop solar adoption across the state.

The utility explained that the charge is intended to support grid maintenance and infrastructure stability as distributed renewable energy capacity expands. Officials emphasised that the vast majority of domestic solar consumers remain unaffected by the surcharge.

The clarification comes amid public discussion around rooftop solar economics and policy changes linked to India’s broader renewable energy expansion goals.