In a significant development, on February 22, 2024, the Ministry of Power issued a notification to amend the Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules, 2020. The key amendments introduced are as follows:
Reduced Waiting Period: Under the updated regulations, the waiting time for securing a new connection has been streamlined. The maximum time for providing new electricity connections or modifying existing ones is specified based on the area’s classification: three days in metropolitan areas, seven days in other municipal areas, and fifteen days in rural areas. For rural areas with hilly terrain, the timeline is extended to thirty days. Extensions or commissioning of new substations must ensure electricity supply within ninety days.
Provisions for Resident Welfare Association (RWA): RWAs can choose between a single-point connection or individual connections for each owner through a transparent ballot. Separate metering, billing and connection procedures are outlined for individual consumption, backup power and common area electricity. Charges for individual consumption should be on a no-profit-no-loss basis, with tariffs not exceeding certain limits. Additional charges may be applied for sub-distribution network costs.
Addressing Meter Concerns: Acknowledging concerns regarding discrepancies in meter readings compared to actual electricity usage, the Power Ministry now mandates distribution licensees to install an additional meter within a five-day timeframe upon receiving complaints from consumers.
Solar Installation Simplification: Under the revised regulations, an exemption has been granted from the requirement of a technical feasibility study for systems with a capacity of up to 10 kilowatts. For systems exceeding this capacity, the timeline for completing the feasibility study has been shortened from twenty days to fifteen days. Additionally, the rules stipulate that distribution system strengthening required for rooftop solar PV systems up to a 5-kilowatt capacity will be undertaken by the distribution company at its own expense.
These provisions are aimed at enhancing consumer choice and fostering transparency in metering and billing. It also promotes renewable energy adoption in the electricity sector.
