The Tamil Nadu Electricity Regulatory Commission came out with a Rooftop Solar Generation order on March 25. The Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation is, however, yet to issue working orders to implement it. Such delay in issuing the working orders indicate that the Tangedco is not keen on promoting solar energy, says K. Kathirmathiyon, secretary of Coimbatore Consumer Cause. Even in the existing system, several consumers have installed the rooftop solar and are waiting for the Tangedco to make the connections effective. Delay in making the connections effective discourages consumers to go in for solar energy, he says. An official of the Tangedco contends that the meters will arrive shortly for the pending connections and the new order could not be implemented because of the Model Code of Conduct. A. D. Thirumoorthy, member of the State working group committee on renewable energy, PP Subramanian, an electrical consultant, and Mr. Kathirmathiyon point out that the new order will benefit more number of consumers such as educational institutions and small-scale industries, as they can now install rooftop solar energy systems. Applications can be submitted and tracked online according to the new order and consumers can also procure the meters required. Further, the connection should be given in 21 days. While there are several such advantages, the domestic consumers might not find it attractive, they say. Electricity consumption at houses is more at night. According to the new order, the excess solar energy generated during day time will be exported to the grid and the Tangedco will pay nearly Rs. 2.28 a unit this year for the energy exported. But, for the electricity consumed from the grid, the consumers will have to pay the regular charges, points out Mr. Thirumoorthy. This will be only for the new solar energy connections. The Tangedco should welcome those opting for solar energy with incentives and avoid delays. It should change the norms to benefit domestic consumers, he says. Promoters of apartments can tap the benefits in the new order. The panel costs have also come down, says Mr. Subramanian.