The Madras High Court recently struck down the network charges for rooftop solar power collected by Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Ltd (TNPDCL), formerly known as TANGEDCO.

Referring to this judgement, the South India Spinners Association (SISPA) has urged TNPDCL to comply with the ruling and stop collecting these charges from its members, and other industry members who have installed the system.

Justice Anita Sumanth of the Madras High Court ruled that imposing network charges on solar energy users contradicts the Tamil Nadu Government's renewable energy objectives. The court emphasized that regulations should encourage, rather than hinder, the transition to clean energy. SISPA expressed its profound gratitude to the Madras High Court for abolishing network charges for rooftop solar power.

SISPA was among the first industry groups in Tamil Nadu to challenge the introduction of network charges for rooftop solar generator units. It filed a writ petition in August 2022 contesting the levy of these charges. It was also the first association to obtain an interim order in the case. The association’s legal team presented the case clearly before the court, leading to a significant ruling in favor of renewable energy consumers.

On December 22, 2024, the Madras High Court ruled in favor of all the writ petitions challenging the network charges. The full judgment was published on the Court’s website on March 28, 2025.

SISPA stated in a press release that this decision will benefit its members and all industries in Tamil Nadu operating on rooftop solar power, allowing them to function efficiently and without financial burden. The association has appealed to the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, the Deputy Chief Minister, the Minister of Electricity, and TNPDCL to direct the concerned authorities to cease the collection of network charges from its members in full compliance with the latest Madras High Court judgment.