DERC amends Delhi electricity rules to unlock PM E-DRIVE subsidy for EV charging infrastructure
By Eve
The Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission has revised its Supply Code regulations to allow charge point operators to pay upfront for upstream infrastructure, including distribution transformers, cables and protection equipment, for low-tension connections up to 200 kW. Previously, these costs were recovered through consumer electricity tariffs, but the PM E-DRIVE scheme requires proof of payment before releasing 70 per cent of eligible subsidies for public charging, battery charging and swapping stations. The change removes a regulatory barrier that prevented operators from accessing central government funding for new EV charging facilities in Delhi.
Why it matters: The regulatory amendment directly affects how CPOs finance new installations in India's capital, shifting upstream infrastructure costs from tariff recovery to subsidy-eligible capital expenditure and accelerating access to PM E-DRIVE funds. Operators planning Delhi deployments can now structure projects around the 70 per cent subsidy tranche tied to demand-note payments.