The Kerala State Electricity Regulatory Commission has introduced revised Time of Day (ToD) billing guidelines for electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, dividing the day into two zones to promote solar energy usage. According to the directive, electricity consumed between 9 am and 4 pm—termed the solar period—will be billed at 30% lower than the standard rate.
Conversely, power used during the non-solar period, from 4 pm to 9 am, will incur a 30% higher charge. For instance, with a base rate of ₹100, EV charging during the solar period would cost ₹70, while it would rise to ₹130 during the non-solar hours.
Kerala’s New Two-Zone EV Tariff: Boosting Daytime Charging, Challenging Solar Integration
This move aligns with the Central Government’s new guidelines for EV charging infrastructure, aiming to boost daytime charging and reduce pressure on the grid during peak hours. Previously, Kerala followed a three-zone ToD structure—6 am to 6 pm, 6 pm to 10 pm, and 10 pm to 6 am—which will now be replaced with this simplified two-zone model.
However, the revision poses challenges for charging stations with on-grid captive solar power plants. These stations risk losing benefits if they cannot maximize the use of solar power generated between 9 am and 4 pm. Under the new rules, surplus power supplied to the grid after 4 pm will not be recorded, and only 53% of solar power fed into the grid during daytime will be credited if consumed at night. This makes it financially smarter for such stations to attract more customers during the day by reducing charging rates and maximizing solar power use.
EV Tariff Discounts to Benefit Users Despite Regulatory Limitations
The directive also mandates that tariff discounts be passed on to EV users, though the Commission lacks authority to enforce this. Meanwhile, the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) confirmed that its own stations are already following this policy. Officials anticipate a rise in daytime charging and a drop in night-time demand once private operators adopt the new rates.
Summary:
Kerala revised EV charging tariffs into two zones to promote solar usage—offering 30% lower rates from 9 am to 4 pm and 30% higher rates otherwise. The move encourages daytime charging but challenges solar-powered stations. Discounts must benefit users, though enforcement is limited. KSEB has already implemented the changes.
