Rajasthan is expediting the installation of rooftop solar power plants under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), a Reforms-based and Results-linked initiative launched by the Ministry of Power, Government of India in July 2021. With a total outlay of ₹3,03,758 crore over five years (FY 2021-22 to FY 2025-26), the RDSS aims to reduce Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses to pan-India levels of 12-15% and eliminate the gap between Average Cost of Supply (ACS) and Average Revenue Realised (ARR) for power distribution companies (DISCOMs). Rajasthan — with abundant solar irradiation averaging 5.5–6.5 kWh/m²/day — is among India's highest-potential states for rooftop solar deployment. The push to install rooftop plants in urban and peri-urban areas reduces the burden on transmission and distribution infrastructure, improves power quality, and empowers consumers as 'prosumers' who generate and sell surplus electricity back to the grid. This initiative is closely linked to the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, which provides subsidies of up to ₹78,000 for rooftop solar installation in households. Rajasthan's DISCOMs — Jaipur Vidyut Vitaran Nigam (JVVNL), Ajmer Vidyut Vitaran Nigam (AVVNL), and Jodhpur Vidyut Vitaran Nigam (JdVVNL) — are the implementing agencies. The accelerated rollout also supports Rajasthan Integrated Clean Energy Policy 2024 target of 115 GW renewable energy and 10 GW storage capacity by 2029-30.
Rajasthan's RDSS-Backed Rooftop Solar Drive: Accelerating Distributed Renewable Energy and Reducing T&D Losses
Rajasthan is expediting the installation of rooftop solar power plants under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), a Reforms-based and Results-linked initiative launched by the Ministry of Power, Government of India in July 2021. With a total outlay of ₹3,03,758 crore over five years (FY 2021-22 to FY 2025-26), the RDSS aims to reduce Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses to pan-India levels of 12-15% and eliminate the gap between Average Cost of Supply (ACS) and Average Revenue Realised (ARR) for power distribution companies (DISCOMs). Rajasthan — with abundant solar irradiation averaging 5.5–6.5 kWh/m²/day — is among India's highest-potential states for rooftop solar deployment. The push to install rooftop plants in urban and peri-urban areas reduces the burden on transmission and distribution infrastructure, improves power quality, and empowers consumers as 'prosumers' who generate and sell surplus electricity back to the grid. This initiative is closely linked to the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, which provides subsidies of up to ₹78,000 for rooftop solar installation in households. Rajasthan's DISCOMs — Jaipur Vidyut Vitaran Nigam (JVVNL), Ajmer Vidyut Vitaran Nigam (AVVNL), and Jodhpur Vidyut Vitaran Nigam (JdVVNL) — are the implementing agencies. The accelerated rollout also supports Rajasthan Integrated Clean Energy Policy 2024 target of 115 GW renewable energy and 10 GW storage capacity by 2029-30.
Key facts
- Rajasthan is accelerating rooftop solar installations under the RDSS scheme launched in July 2021.
- RDSS has a total outlay of ₹3,03,758 crore over five years (FY 2021-22 to FY 2025-26).
- The scheme aims to reduce AT&C losses to pan-India levels of 12-15% and eliminate the ACS-ARR gap for DISCOMs.
- Rajasthan receives 5.5-6.5 kWh/m²/day solar irradiance, making it ideal for rooftop solar.
- The initiative promotes distributed renewable energy generation at the consumer level.
- RDSS is a reforms-based and results-linked initiative of the Ministry of Power.
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Rajasthan's rooftop solar drive is backed by which central scheme launched in July 2021 with a total outlay of ₹3,03,758 crore?
The Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), launched by the Ministry of Power in July 2021 with ₹3,03,758 crore outlay over five years, backs Rajasthan's accelerated rooftop solar drive and aims to reduce AT&C losses below 12%.
Source: Ministry of Power / RDSS Portal
Frequently asked questions
What is the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) and when was it launched?
The Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) is a reforms-based and results-linked initiative launched by the Ministry of Power, Government of India in July 2021. It has a total outlay of ₹3,03,758 crore over five years (FY 2021-22 to FY 2025-26).
What are the key targets of the RDSS scheme?
The RDSS aims to reduce Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses to below 12% and eliminate the gap between Average Cost of Supply (ACS) and Average Revenue Realised (ARR) for electricity distribution companies (DISCOMs). It also promotes rooftop solar adoption among consumers.
Why is Rajasthan considered ideal for rooftop solar deployment under RDSS?
Rajasthan receives an average solar irradiance of 5.5–6.5 kWh/m²/day, making it one of India's most solar-rich states. This high solar potential makes rooftop solar installations particularly effective in generating electricity at the consumer level, reducing grid dependency and T&D losses.
What does AT&C loss mean in the context of power distribution, and why is reducing it important?
AT&C (Aggregate Technical and Commercial) loss refers to the total energy lost in transmission and distribution plus revenue losses from non-payment. Reducing AT&C losses improves the financial health of DISCOMs, ensures reliable electricity supply, and lowers electricity costs for consumers.
How does the RDSS promote distributed renewable energy generation?
The RDSS encourages rooftop solar installations at the consumer level, enabling households and businesses to generate their own electricity. This distributed generation model reduces load on the central grid, decreases T&D losses, and advances India's renewable energy targets.
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