The solar industry in Maharashtra has been on an emotional rollercoaster lately. For business owners, the recent MERC order regarding the new power banking mechanism felt like a “leaky bucket” scenario—no matter how much clean energy you produced, the new charges were draining the financial viability of your investment.

At Chirayu Power, we don’t just install panels; we monitor the heartbeat of energy policy. Here is our expert take on why the recent APTEL interim stay (Order dated 29 May 2026) is a massive win for the consumer and what it says about the future of solar in our state.

The “Why” Behind the Stay

The Appellate Tribunal for Electricity (APTEL) hasn’t just paused a technicality; it has acknowledged a fundamental concern of the industry. The new banking mechanism introduced by MERC threatened to significantly increase the cost of “storing” energy with the grid, making it harder for industries to see the ROIs they were promised.

Our Thought Process:

“Banking is the backbone of industrial solar. If the rules of banking change mid-game, the trust of the investor is shaken. This stay is a vital correction that protects the ‘Interests of Justice and Equity’ for every factory and commercial unit currently receiving disconnection notices or inflated bills based on the new regime.”

What This Means for Your Operations Right Now

If you are an industrial consumer feeling the heat of new banking charges, here is the immediate ground reality:

• Status Quo Restored: Consumers are to continue paying banking charges as per the previous regime.
• Protection Against Disconnection: The tribunal specifically protected those receiving bills or disconnection notices based on the disputed order.
• No Future Recovery (For Now): Any recovery through future electricity bills under the new mechanism is stayed until the final decision.
• The “Conditional” Peace: While the stay is a relief, it comes with a caveat—an undertaking that if the final decision goes against the appellants, the stayed amount must be paid within a month.

 

Chirayu’s Perspective: The Path Forward

We believe that for India to reach its renewable goals, policy must be predictable. This interim stay, effective until the final judgment, provides a much-needed cooling-off period.

The next hearing is set for 31 August 2026. Until then, we advise our clients and the larger industrial community to:

1. Review your current billing: Ensure your utility is complying with the stay and billing you under the old regime.
2. Plan for “Worst-Case” Scenarios: Keep the “undertaking” in mind; financial prudence suggests setting aside the difference in charges as a contingency until the final judgment.
3. Don’t Pause Your Transition: Policy will always be dynamic, but the core math of solar—offsetting high grid tariffs—remains the most powerful tool for your P&L.

The verdict is clear: The industry has a voice, and for now, that voice has been heard at the highest levels of the tribunal.

Expert Analysis Provided By:

Official Branding & Contact	Technical Resources
Chirayu Power Private Limited	Detailed Court Order: [gen_pdf.pdf]
Web: www.chirayupower.com	Project Portfolio: [brochure- 2025 (compressed).pdf]
HQ: C-1/1, MIDC, Khamgaon	Policy Summary: [WhatsApp Image 2026-05-30 at 2.22.26 PM.jpeg]