An electric vehicle charging at a KSEB charging station at Vyttila in Ernakulam.
| Photo Credit: THULASI KAKKAT
Kerala’s decision to explore vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology has received a boost with the Kerala State Electricity Regulatory Commission (KSERC) providing a regulatory framework for it last week.
As an initial measure, a tariff of ₹10 per unit would apply for export of energy from V2G systems to the grid during peak hours, states the regulations.
The provisions for V2G technology are part of the broader KSERC (Renewable Energy and Related Matters) Regulations, 2025, notified on November 5 for handling all aspects of renewable energy integration in the State.
V2G systems allow bi-directional flow of electricity between electric vehicle (EV) batteries and the grid. This, in effect, transforms e-vehicles into energy storage systems, allowing them to return electricity to the grid. This helps to balance the demand when electricity demand peaks.
ToU tariff
“A special Time-of-Use (ToU) tariff shall be introduced to encourage V2G participation, offering incentives for energy export during peak demand periods. Dynamic pricing mechanisms shall be explored to compensate EV owners based on real-time grid conditions,” according to the regulations.
The regulations have come at a time when Kerala is actively exploring the potential of V2G systems as part of its expanding renewable energy sector. In July this year, the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) and the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT-Bombay) inked a memorandum of understanding for a field-level pilot programme on V2G technology. This project is to be implemented in two phases. The same month, the Agency for New and Renewable Energy Research and Technology (Anert), which functions under the State Power department, installed a pilot V2G project at its headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram in a bid to acquaint the public with this evolving concept.
The new regulations state that all EV owners will have the right to export stored electricity from their EV battery to the grid through authorised V2G-enabled charging stations/installations. Distribution licensees are required to facilitate the seamless integration of V2G-enabled EVs into the grid. They are also expected to install monitoring protocols and smart metering infrastructure for measuring the bidirectional energy flow. All EV owners, charging station operators, distribution licensees and other entities can participate in V2G integration.
Detailed procedures
Further, the Commission is required to specify detailed procedures for the implementation of V2G participation and energy accounting and settlement. These protocols are to be finalised on the basis of a pilot study conducted by the distribution licensee or through agencies assigned by it.
The new regulations are applicable up to March 31, 2030.
Published – November 09, 2025 04:24 pm IST
