Notification
No.
PSERC/Secy/Regu. 31 - In exercise of
the powers conferred under Section 181 read with Sections 43, 44, 45, 46, 47,
48, 50, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 126, 127, 135, 152, 154 & 163 of the
Electricity Act, 2003 (Central Act 36 of 2003) read with Electricity
(Amendment) Act, 2007 (No. 26 of 2007) and
all other powers enabling it in this behalf and in compliance of Electricity
(Removal of Difficulties) Order, 2005, issued by the Ministry of Power,
Government of India bearing No.S.O.790 (E), the Punjab State Electricity
Regulatory Commission hereby makes the following Regulations on Electricity
Supply Code and Related Matters: -
CHAPTER I –
PRELIMINARY
1. Short
title, commencement and interpretation
1.1 These Regulations may be called the
Punjab State Electricity Regulatory Commission (Electricity Supply Code and
Related Matters), Regulations, 2007.
1.2
These Regulations shall be
applicable to all Distribution Licensees (including entities exempted under
Section 13 of the Act) and all consumers in their respective licensed/supply
areas, in the State of
1.3 These Regulations shall come into force with
effect from
2. Definitions
In these Regulations, unless the
context otherwise requires:-
(a) “Act”
means the Electricity Act, 2003;
(b) “Agreement”
means an agreement executed by the applicant/
consumer with the Distribution Licensee at the time of obtaining a new
connection, additional load or additional demand;
(c) “Applicant”
means an owner or occupier of any premises who makes an application for supply
of electricity, increase or reduction in sanctioned load/contract demand,
change in title, disconnection or
restoration of supply or termination of agreement, as the case may be, in
accordance with the provisions of the Act and the Rules & Regulations made
thereunder;
(d) “Assessing
Officer” means an Officer designated as such by the State Government under
Section 126 of the Act;
(e) “Authorized
Officer” means an Officer of the Licensee authorized by the State Government
under sub-section (2) of Section 135 of the Act;
(f) “Circuit
Breaker” means a device, capable of making and breaking the circuit under all
conditions, and unless otherwise specified, so designed as to break the current
automatically under abnormal conditions;
(g) “Commission”
means the Punjab State Electricity Regulatory Commission;
(h) “Conditions of Supply” mean the
terms and conditions of supply to different categories of consumers framed by
the Distribution Licensee ;
(i) “Conductor”
means any wire, cable, bar, tube, rail or plate used for conducting electrical
energy and so arranged as to be
electrically connected to a system;
(j) “Connection”
means provision for supply of electricity to an applicant;
(k) “Consumer”
means any person who is supplied with electricity for his own use by a Licensee
or the Government or by any other person engaged in the business of supplying
electricity to the public under the Act or any other law for the time being in
force and includes any person whose premises are for the time being connected
for the purpose of receiving electricity with the works of a Licensee, the
Government or such other person, as the case may be and any person whose
electricity supply has been disconnected;
(l) “Consumption”
means utilization of electricity in kilowatt-hours (units);
(m) “Default”
means non-compliance or violation of Conditions of Supply/ Agreement by the
consumer;
(n) “Distribution
main” means the portion of any main with which a service line is, or is
intended to be, immediately connected;
(o) “Earthing
system” means an electrical system in which all the conductors of electricity
are earthed;
(p) “Electrical
Contractor” means a person who has been granted a licence by the State
Government under Rule 45 of the Indian Electricity Rules, 1956 or the
Regulations as may be notified by Central Electricity Authority under Section
53 of the Act, to carry out electrical
installation work in a premises;
(q) “Extra
High Tension (EHT) Consumer” means a consumer who is supplied electricity at a
voltage exceeding 33000 volts;
(r) “Harmonic” means a component of a
periodic wave having a frequency that is an integral multiple of the
fundamental power line frequency of 50 Hz. Total harmonic distortion is the
contribution of all harmonic frequency currents generated by a consumer
expressed as a percentage of the fundamental;
(s) “High Tension (HT) consumer”
means a consumer who is supplied electricity at a voltage higher than 650 volts
but not exceeding 33000 volts;
(t) “Licensee”
means the Distribution Licensee authorized to operate and maintain a
distribution system for supplying electricity to consumers in its area of
supply;
(u) “Low
Tension (LT) consumer” means a consumer who is supplied electricity at a
voltage not exceeding 650 volts;
(v) “
(w) “Meter”
means a device suitable for measuring, indicating or recording consumption of electricity or any
other quantity related to an electrical system and shall include, wherever
applicable, other equipments such as Current Transformer, Potential
Transformer, Voltage Transformer or Capacitor Voltage Transformer necessary for
such purpose;
(x) “Notified
Office” means an office notified by the Licensee to provide different services
to a consumer related to supply of electricity ;
(y) “Person”
means any person/persons or occupier or possessor of a premises or place who
may or may not be a consumer and shall include any company or body corporate or
association or body of individuals, whether incorporated or not, or an
artificial juridical person;
(z) “Service
Line” means any electric supply line through which electricity is, or is
intended to be, supplied –
(i) to
a single consumer either from a distributing main or immediately from the
Distribution Licensee’s premises; or
(ii) from
a distributing main to a group of consumers on the same premises or on
contiguous premises supplied from the same point of the distributing main;
(za) “State”
means the State of
(zb) “State
Government” means the Government of Punjab;
(zc) “Supply”,
in relation to electricity, means the sale of electricity to a Licensee or consumer;
(zd) “Supply
Code” means the Punjab State Electricity Regulatory Commission (Electricity
Supply Code and Related Matters) Regulations, 2007;
(ze) “Temporary
Connection” means an electricity connection required
by a person for meeting with his temporary needs such as:
(i) for
construction of residential, commercial and industrial complexes
including pumps for dewatering;
(ii) for illumination during festivals/family
functions;
(iii)
for threshers or
other such machinery excluding pump sets; or
(iv) for touring cinemas/ circuses/fairs/
exhibitions/melas/ congregations.
(zf) “Theft
of Electricity” has the meaning assigned to it under Section 135 of the Act;
(zg) “Unauthorized
use of Electricity” has the meaning assigned to it under Section 126 of the
Act;
(zh) Words
and expressions used herein and not specifically defined but defined in the Act
shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Act.
3.
3.1 In case of any inconsistency between
these Regulations and the Conditions of Supply existing on the notified date,
these Regulations will prevail.
3.2 The Licensee will within six months of
the date of notification of Supply Code or the issue of a licence submit the
Conditions of Supply for the approval of the Commission.
3.3 The Commission may from time to time
direct any Licensee to amend the Conditions of Supply in such manner as it may
consider appropriate.
4. Review Panel
4.1
Constitution of the Review Panel
The
Commission will set up a Supply Code Review Panel (hereinafter called Panel),
consisting of the following Members :-
(a) A Member of
the Commission nominated by its Chairperson will be Ex-officio Chairperson of
the Panel.
(b) One
representative of the State Government.
(c) One Chief
Engineer/General Manager or equivalent level representative of each Licensee
operating in the State.
(d) One Chief
Engineer/General Manager or equivalent level representative of the State
Transmission Utility (STU) and each transmission Licensee operating in the
State.
(e) One representative of the State Load
Despatch Centre (SLDC).
(f) Representatives
of the consumers not exceeding five to be nominated by the Commission
representing, as far as possible, different categories of consumers.
(g) The Secretary
of the Panel will be an officer of the Commission nominated by the Chairperson
of the Commission.
4.2 Functions of the panel
The Panel
will meet atleast once in six months and perform the following functions :-
(a) To consider views
of the Licensees, consumers and other stakeholders regarding implementation of
the Supply Code ;
(b) To assess
compliance by the Licensees with Conditions of Supply ;
(c) To protect consumer
interests and overall performance of utilities ; and
(d) To recommend changes in the Supply Code,
wherever required.
4.3 Manner of reviewing the Supply Code
(a) A Licensee,
Consumer or any other stakeholder seeking amendment in the Supply Code will
send the proposal in writing to the Secretary of the Panel specifying the
reasons for such a change.
(b) The Panel
will, after finalizing its views on the proposed modifications, make suitable
recommendations to the Commission.
(c) The
Commission may approve the changes with or without modification as it may deem
fit following the procedure as specified in Regulation 4.5.
4.4 Remuneration and Travelling Allowance to non-official
Members of the Panel
The
representatives of the consumers will be entitled to remuneration (travelling
allowance and/or sitting fee) as may be notified by the Commission.
4.5 Amendment to the Supply Code
(a) The Commission may suo-motu or on the
recommendations of the Panel amend the Supply Code ordinarily once in a year.
However,
views of the public, consumers, the State Government and other stakeholders
will be sought before any amendment is effected.
(b) Amendments to
the Supply Code will be notified in the official Gazette of the State and
placed on the website of the Commission.
(c) The Licensee
will place the amendments notified in the official Gazette on its website and
will also arrange publicity in atleast two newspapers having wide circulation
in its area of supply, apart from displaying the amendments in its notified
offices.
CHAPTER II –
MATTERS RELATED TO SUPPLY OF ELECTRICITY
5. Duty of Licensee to supply on request
5.1 Every Licensee shall, on receipt of
an application from the owner or occupier of any premises, provide supply of
electricity to the premises within the time specified in Regulation 6. The
application will be submitted in the form prescribed by the Licensee for this
purpose. Such forms will be available at notified offices of the Licensee on
payment of fee as determined by the Commission. A specimen of the application
form will also be available on the website of the Licensee and can be
downloaded, if required. In such a case, the cost of the application form will
be paid by the applicant at the time of its filing.
5.2 The Licensee will also specify the other
documents to be submitted by the applicant. Details of these specified documents
will also be available in notified offices of the Licensee as well as on its
website. The application form alongwith the specified documents, initial
security and security for meter/metering equipment hereinafter called “Security
(meter)” as specified in the Schedule of General Charges will be submitted in
the notified office of the Licensee.
5.3(i) The State Government may for reasons of
ecology, inadequate ground water potential, declining water table or any other
reasons decide the number of agricultural pump set (A.P.) connections and the
manner in which these are to be released each year in the State or any part
thereof. The State Government may for this purpose draw up guidelines to
provide for priorities to be assigned in the release of such connections.
(ii) Applicants
becoming eligible for release of AP connections as per the guidelines of the
State Government will be provided supply of electricity in the same manner as
prescribed in Regulations 5 and 6.
5.4 Where an application for supply of
electricity pertains to a village, hamlet or area that has not been
electrified, supply of electricity in such a case will be provided as per
Regulations 5 & 6 only after electrification of that village, hamlet or
area as per the Investment Plan of the Licensee, as approved by the Commission.
5.5 Where the new or additional load/demand
exceeds 500 KW/500 KVA, the applicant will before submitting the application obtain
feasibility clearance in the prescribed requisition form after payment of earnest
money specified by the Licensee. The requisition form will be available free of
cost in the notified offices of the Licensee and on its website. The earnest
money will not exceed 10% of initial security as specified in the Schedule of
General Charges.
5.6 The feasibility clearance will be granted
by the Licensee within thirty days of the receipt of request or such extended
period as approved by the Commission. The applicant may thereafter submit the
application adjusting the amount of earnest money towards initial security.
The Licensee will within fifteen
days of the receipt of application for feasibility clearance seek approval of
the Commission for extension of period in a case where such clearance is likely
to take more than thirty days.
6. Procedure
for Release of Connection/additional load
6.1. The
Licensee, will after receipt of the application, inform the applicant through a
notice henceforth called Demand Notice which will specify ;
(a) Security (works) required
to be deposited by the applicant under
Regulation 19 of these Regulations ;
(b) other terms required to
be accepted by the applicant under
Regulation 12 of these Regulations ;
(c) submission of NOC by the
applicant, as per statutory
requirements, wherever applicable ;
(d) submission of electrical
contractor’s test report by the applicant ;
(e) any other compliances to
be met by the applicant.
The terms and conditions specified in the Demand Notice once issued will
not be altered except when necessitated by change in applicable laws.
6.2 The Demand Notice under Regulation 6.1 be
issued by the Licensee within :
(a) 7
days of receipt of application in case of LT supply
(b) 10 days of receipt of application in case
of HT/EHT supply
(c) 7 days of receipt of Commission’s
approval in a case covered
under Regulation 6.3
(c).
6.3 The Licensee
shall provide supply of electricity to the premises pursuant to the application
submitted under Regulation 5 -
(a)
Within thirty days from the
date of compliance of the Demand Notice where no augmentation, erection and
extension of distribution main or commissioning of new sub-station or power
transformer is required for effecting such supply,
(b)
In cases where
augmentation/extension of a distribution main or augmentation of power
transformer/distribution sub station is required but there is no requirement of
erecting and commissioning a new distribution sub station or power transformer,
the supply will be provided within the period specified hereunder :
|
Type of service connection requested |
Period from date of compliance of
Demand Notice within which the
Licensee shall provide supply |
|
Low
Tension (LT) supply |
45 days |
|
High
Tension (HT) supply - 11000 volts - 33000 volts |
60 days 120
days |
|
Extra
High Tension (EHT) supply |
120 days |
Provided that the Licensee may, within fifteen days
of receipt of application(s), seek approval of the Commission, for extension of
period specified above, in cases where the magnitude of work involved for
extension/augmentation of the supply system is such that the Licensee may
reasonably require more time.
(c) In
cases where supply of electricity requires erection and Commissioning of a new
sub-station or power transformer and/or HT/EHT line (other than
service line), the Licensee will within fifteen days of receipt of application,
submit to the Commission a proposal for erection of the sub-station or power transformer and/or
HT/EHT line together with the time required for their
commissioning. The Commission will,
after hearing the Licensee and the applicant(s) concerned, decide the time
frame for erection of the sub-station or power transformer and/or HT/EHT line. The Licensee
shall erect and commission the sub-station or power transformer and/or HT/EHT line
and commence supply of electricity to the applicant(s) within the period
approved by the Commission.
Provided that, where such sub-station or power transformer and/or HT/EHT line is
covered in the Investment Plan approved by the Commission, the Licensee will
complete the erection of such sub-station
or power transformer and/or HT/EHT line within the time period
specified in such investment plan or period approved by the Commission,
whichever is earlier.
6.4 It will, however, be the responsibility
of the Licensee to have requisite arrangements with the Transmission
Licensee(s) to ensure that the required supply at Extra High Tension, is made
available within the time frame specified under Regulation 6.3 in cases where
the applicant seeks supply of electricity at voltage level above 33000 Volts.
6.5 Temporary
Supply
The applicant requiring supply of electricity from a
Licensee on a temporary basis will be provided such supply within seven days of
receipt of the application and payment of initial security, Security (meter) and
Security (works).
Provided that adequate capacity is available on the
supply system of the Licensee and the supply of electricity is technically
feasible.
7. Consequences
of default
If a Licensee fails to supply electricity within the
periods specified in Regulation 6, it shall be liable to pay a penalty which
may extend to one thousand rupees for each day of default. The Commission will
for this purpose appoint an Adjudicating Officer in accordance with Section 143
of the Act.
8.
Exceptions from duty to supply
The periods for providing supply specified in
Regulation 6 above will not be operative where the Commission is satisfied that
;
(a) the
Licensee is prevented from providing supply of electricity on account of
cyclones, floods, storms and other occurrences beyond his control,
(b) delay in providing
supply of electricity is on account of time taken for statutory clearances,
acquisition of land, or in obtaining right of way or approval of the Chief
Electrical Inspector for installations at the applicant’s or Licensee’s end or
for other reason beyond the reasonable
control of the Licensee.
9. Power to recover expenditure
9.1 Subject to the provisions of the Act and
these Regulations and subject further to such directions, orders or guidelines
which the Commission may issue, every Licensee is entitled to recover from an
applicant requiring supply of electricity or additional load/demand, any
expenses that the Licensee may incur in providing the facility. The expenditure
recoverable by the Licensee will be computed as detailed in Regulations 9.1.1,
9.1.2 and 9.1.3.
9.1.1 For new connections
(i) Domestic,
Non-Residential, Industrial and Bulk Supply categories:
(a)
The applicant
requesting the Licensee for a new connection under Domestic, Non-Residential,
Industrial and Bulk Supply categories will be required to pay per KW/KVA
charges as approved by the Commission. Such charges will be payable by an
applicant where the load/demand required is upto and including 500 KW/500 KVA
and the length of the service line is upto one hundred metres for Domestic
& Non-Residential Supply category and two hundred fifty metres for
Industrial and Bulk Supply categories.
Where the length of the service line
exceeds the above prescription for the applied category, the applicant will also
pay for the additional expenditure for the extra length on actual basis at the
rates approved by the Commission.
(b) Where load/demand required exceeds 500
KW/500 KVA, the applicant will be
required to pay per KW/KVA charges as approved
by the Commission or the actual expenditure for release of connection, whichever is higher.
(c) The
applicant seeking supply at voltage of 33000 volts and above, will be liable to pay the expenditure incurred for
providing the service line and
proportionate cost of back-up/common line (33000
volts or above) upto the feeding substation including bay, if any.
(ii) Agriculture pump set (A.P. Supply) :
The applicant seeking a new connection under AP category
will pay charges (per BHP/KW) as approved by
the Commission. Such charges will be payable where length of the required
service line is upto five hundred meters. In case a
service line of more than 500 metres is required for release of a
connection, the consumer will be liable to pay on actual
basis for additional length of service line at the rates approved by the
Commission.
(iii) Railway
Traction: In the case of an application under the Railway
Traction category, actual cost of 132 KV/220 KV line including
cost of controlling bay/switchgear as the case may be will be payable.
(iv) Street Lighting : The applicant
seeking connection under Street Light category will pay per KW
charges as approved by the Commission.
9.1.2
For additional load
(i)
Domestic, Non-Residential, Industrial
and Bulk Supply categories:
(a) The
consumer applicant requesting the Licensee for additional load/demand will pay
per KW/KVA charges as approved by the Commission. Such charges will be payable
by a consumer where the total load including existing load is upto 500 KW/500
KVA and/or the length of the service
line is upto one hundred metres for Domestic and Non-Residential Supply
category and two hundred fifty metres in the case of Industrial and Bulk Supply
categories.
Where the length of the existing service line is more
than the limit prescribed above and additional load/demand necessitates
augmentation of the existing service line, the applicant will, in addition to
per KW/KVA charges, be required to pay the actual cost of augmentation for the
length of service line beyond the prescription as indicated above, at the rates
approved by the Commission.
(b) Where total load including
existing load exceeds 500 KW/500 KVA, the consumer will pay per KW/KVA charges
for the additional load/demand as approved by the Commission or the actual
expenditure for release of load/demand, whichever is higher.
(c) In
case of a consumer with supply voltage of 33000 volts and above, the consumer
will only be liable to pay the cost of the service line and proportionate cost
of back-up/ common line (33000 volts or above)
including bay, if any.
Provided that where a HT/EHT consumer having a
sanctioned load/contract demand exceeding 500 KW/500 KVA who has paid the actual cost of HT or EHT service line
or feeder, requests for additional load and such load can be fed from the same
line without any augmentation, then the HT consumer would be liable to pay only
the proportionate cost of HT main and feeding sub station. An 33000 volts or
EHT consumer would be liable to pay only the proportionate cost of back
up/common line (33000 volts or above) upto the feeding sub station including
bay.
(ii) A.P. Supply : A consumer seeking additional load under this category will pay charges (per BHP/KW) as approved by the Commission.
These charges will be payable where the length
of
the service line is upto five hundred metres.
Where
the length of the existing service line is more than five hundred metres and the provision of additional
load necessitates
augmentation of the existing service line, the applicant will
be only required to pay the actual
cost augmentation
for the length
of service line beyond
the prescription
as indicated above, at the rates approved by the Commission.
(iii) Railway
Traction : In the case of additional demand in this category, actual cost of augmentation of 132 KV/220 KV line
including cost of controlling bay/switchgear
as the case may be, will be payable.
(iv) Street
Lighting: Consumers seeking additional load in this category will pay per KW charges as approved by the Commission.
9.1.3 Temporary Supply: An applicant
in this category will pay for the expenditure for providing temporary connection
as under :
(a) Cost of erection and dismantling of relevant
works including consumables.
(b) Service line/electrical plant rentals as approved by the Commission
9.2 The Licensee will, unless otherwise specified in these Regulations or by
an order of the Commission, fulfill the obligation to supply electricity to the
premises, without claiming any payment or reimbursement from the applicant of
any expenditure, if such expenditure has been incurred or is to be incurred by
the Licensee under any scheme approved by the Commission or where such
expenditure is otherwise allowed to be recovered by the Licensee as a part of the revenue requirements of the
Licensee.
10. Standard cost data
10.1(a) The Licensee will within 3
months of the notification of the Supply Code submit data in respect of:
(i) per
KW/KVA charges for the cost of service line and proportionate cost of main and
feeding sub-station payable by different categories of applicants;
(ii) per
BHP/KW charges under the AP category; and
(iii) standard
rates for provision/augmentation of feeders (per km basis) for different
capacities and at different voltages.
(b)
The Commission will with
or without modification approve these rates within 2 months of their submission. Till
such time as these rates are approved by the Commission, the Licensee will
continue to recover expenditure at existing rates specified in the Schedule of
Service Connection Charges.
10.2
The Commission will thereafter annually
approve rates effective for the period 1st April to 31st
March. The Licensee will notify and place the annual rates approved by the
Commission on its website by the 1st of April each year. The initial
estimate for the cost of erecting/augmenting an electric line or electrical
plant in order to extend supply will be based on these rates.
10.3 The Licensee will by the 31st of
December each year apply for revision of
these rates, where necessary. In case the Licensee does not submit an
application for such revision, the Commission may suo motu approve rates for
the ensuing year with or without modification.
11. Transfer of ownership and provision of
other services
11.1 Consumers
of all categories seeking transfer of title, change of category, conversion
from Low Tension single phase to Low Tension three phase or vice versa and/or
conversion from Low Tension to High Tension or vice versa and/or from High
Tension to Extra High Tension or vice versa will submit their application
alongwith the prescribed documents to the notified office of the Licensee.
The Licensee(s) will standardize the application
forms and the supporting documents to be submitted by consumers for different
services and place them on its website(s). The application forms and
information regarding supporting documents will also be made available in each
notified office of the Licensee. The Licensee will also
specify the charges payable and other pre-requisites to be complied with for
seeking these services.
11.2
Consumers
seeking services as per Regulation 11.1 will pay charges as indicated in the
Schedule of General Charges approved by the Commission or the actual cost of
providing service where such charges have not been specified.
11.3 The
Licensee shall give effect to transfer of title, change of category and
conversion of the existing services within the following period :-
(a) Transfer of title 7 days of receipt of application, The Licensee will within the specified
period, seek approval of the Commission for extension of time whenever the above
schedule cannot be met. 11.4 Where
the consumer requests for shifting of a meter and/or service connection to a
new premises or for diversion of existing lines and has deposited cost
therefor, the following time schedule will be observed for completing these
works :- i) Shifting of meter/service
connection :
7 days ii) Shifting of LT/HT lines : 20 days iii) Shifting of transformer : 30 days 11.5 These time schedules include the time
required for preparation of an estimate
or completion of other procedural formalities. The Licensee will finally settle
the accounts within three months of the work being completed. The excess deposit, if any, will be refunded
to the applicant through adjustment in the bills of the immediately succeeding
months. 11.6 Any consumer aggrieved by the charges/expenditure
payable and/or delay in providing service, may seek redressal in accordance
with ‘Consumer Complaint Handling Procedure’ approved by the Commission. 12. Additional
terms of supply A Licensee may require any person
who has applied for supply of electricity in pursuance of Regulation 5 of these
Regulations to accept:– (a) any
restrictions imposed by the Licensee in order to comply with the Regulations
made by an Authority under Section 53 of the Act ; (b) any
terms restricting the liability of the Licensee for economic loss resulting
from negligence of the person to whom the electricity is supplied. 13. Power to require security 13.1 The
Licensee may require any applicant, who requires supply of electricity to his
premises to give security for the payment of all monies, which may become due
and payable to the Licensee: (a) in respect of the electricity supplied to such person ; and (b) where any electric line or electrical
plant or electric meter is to be provided for supplying electricity to such
person, in respect of the provision of such line or plant or meter. 13.2 If an applicant
fails to furnish such security, the Licensee may refuse to give the
supply/additional supply of electricity or to provide the line or plant or
meter for the period during which the failure continues. 13.3 The
amount payable towards security will be deposited at the notified office in
cash or by demand draft/local cheque/banker cheque drawn in favour of the
Licensee. 14. Initial security 14.1 The applicant seeking supply of electricity as per Regulation 5
of these Regulations will be required to pay to the Licensee an amount as
specified in the Schedule of General Charges approved by the Commission, as
initial security towards supply of electricity. 14.2 The initial security will after release of
connection be adjusted against Security (consumption) required to be deposited
in accordance with Regulation 15.1. 14.3 The applicant seeking sanction of additional
load/demand will be required to deposit initial security computed only for the
additional load/demand. 15. Security (consumption) 15.1 Consumers will maintain with the Licensee an amount equivalent to
consumption charges (i.e. fixed charges and variable charges as applicable) for
three months where bi-monthly billing is applicable and two months in case of
monthly billing as security during the period of agreement for supply of
electricity. Consumption charges will be
worked out on the basis of average monthly consumption of an existing consumer over
a period of twelve months immediately before coming into force of these
Regulations. 15.2 The Licensee will not be entitled to demand Security (consumption)
from any consumer requiring supply of electricity through a prepayment meter as
and when such a facility is provided. Provided that in the case of an existing consumer who
opts for supply of electricity through a pre-payment meter, the Licensee will
refund the Security (consumption) of such consumer by adjustment against any
outstanding dues and/or any amount becoming due to the Licensee immediately
thereafter. 15.3 Whenever spot billing is
introduced for any category of consumers in any area of operation of the
Licensee, the Security (consumption) will be maintained on the basis of
consumption charges for two months for bimonthly billing and one month for monthly
billing categories. Excess amount of Security (consumption) in respect of
existing consumers will be refunded by the Licensee by adjustment against any
outstanding dues and/or any amount becoming due to the Licensee immediately
thereafter. 16. Review
and payment of additional Security (consumption) 16.1 General Review The adequacy of the amount of
Security (consumption) computed in accordance with Regulation 15 of these
Regulations will be reviewed by the Licensee after every three years
(preferably after revision of tariff for the relevant year) based on the
average monthly consumption for the twelve months period from April to March of
the previous year. For existing
consumers, the Licensee will undertake the first such review of Security
(consumption) (earlier called Advance Consumption Deposit), within twelve months
after revision of tariff subsequent to the date of enforcement of the Supply
Code. 16.2 Demand notice for additional Security
(consumption) (a) Based on a review as per Regulation 16.1,
demand for shortfall or refund of excess Security (consumption) will be
effected by the Licensee from/to the consumer. Provided,
however, that if the Security (consumption) payable by the consumer is short or
in excess by not more than 10% of the existing Security (consumption), no
demand for shortfall will be made and the consumer will also not be entitled to
refund of the excess Security (consumption). (b) If
the required Security (consumption) of a consumer is found to be short by more
than 10% of the existing Security (consumption), the Licensee will refund the
excess amount to such consumer by adjustment against any outstanding dues
and/or any amount becoming due to the Licensee immediately thereafter. (c) Where
the consumer is required to pay the additional Security (consumption), the
Licensee will issue to the consumer a Demand Notice specifying the amount
payable alongwith supporting calculations. (d) The
consumer will be liable to pay the additional Security (consumption) within
thirty days from the date of service of the Demand Notice. (e) In
the event of any delay in payment, the consumer will for the actual period of
default pay interest thereon at twice the State Bank of 17. Interest on Security (consumption) 17.1 The Licensee will pay interest on Security
(consumption) at the SBI’s Long Term PLR prevalent on first of April of the
relevant year, provided that the Commission may at any time by notification in
official Gazette of the State specify a higher rate of interest. 17.2 The Licensee will indicate the amount
becoming due to a consumer towards interest on the Security (consumption) in
the first bill raised after thirtieth of April every year. 17.3 The interest will be credited to the account
of a consumer annually on first day of April each year and will be adjusted on
first May of every year against the outstanding dues and/or any amount becoming
due to the Licensee thereafter. 17.4 In the event of delay in effecting
adjustments due to the consumer as per Regulation 17.3, the Licensee will for
the actual period of delay pay interest at twice the SBI’s Short Term PLR prevalent on first of April of the relevant
year. 18. Refund
of initial security / Security (consumption) 18.1 On withdrawal of application
In case the applicant, after submitting his application, for supply of electricity/extension
of load etc. withdraws the same, 10% of the initial security/additional initial
security will be deducted by the Licensee and the balance refunded to the
applicant without payment of any interest by the Licensee on these deposits.
However, if the applicant is not issued a Demand Notice within three months of
submission of his application and he withdraws the same, the initial security/additional
initial security, as the case may be, will be refunded in full with interest
for the period the initial security/additional initial security remained with
the Licensee at SBI’s Short Term PLR prevalent on first of April of the
relevant year.
18.2 On withdrawal
of application for temporary connections In case an application for temporary connection is withdrawn, the
following procedure will be adopted for refund of initial security :- (a) if the application is withdrawn before the due date by which
supply of electricity is required, 10% of the initial security will be deducted
and the balance amount refunded to the applicant.
(b) in case the Licensee fails to provide the temporary connection
by the due date and the application is withdrawn, the initial security will be
refunded in full to the applicant.
18.3 On termination of agreement Where an agreement for supply
of electricity is terminated as per the Conditions of Supply or provisions of
the Supply Code, the Licensee will refund the Security (consumption), after
making adjustments for the amounts outstanding against the consumer within one
month of the date of termination of the
agreement.
18.4 If
a refund due under Regulation 18.3 is delayed beyond a period of one month of
termination of the agreement, the Licensee will, without prejudice to other
rights of the consumer, pay interest on such refund for such period of delay at
twice the SBI’s Short Term PLR prevalent
on first of April of the relevant year. 19. Security for the electric line or
electrical plant or meter 19.1 Security for meter/metering equipment hereinafter referred to as ‘Security
(meter)’ will be deposited by the applicant at the time of submission of
application in accordance with Regulation 5 of these Regulations. Rates of such Security (meter) will be as
specified in the Schedule of General Charges approved by the Commission.
19.2 The Licensee will be entitled to require deposit of Security
(works) against expenditure for providing electric line or electrical plant, as
the case may be, which will be estimated by the Licensee as per Regulation 9 of
these Regulations and communicated to the applicant through a Demand Notice. 19.3
(a) The Licensee will pay interest on the Security (meter) at the
SBI’s Long Term PLR prevalent on first of April of the relevant year. (b) In case release of new connection/extension in load/demand is
delayed beyond the period as specified in Regulation 6 of these Regulations or
such period as may be allowed by the Commission, the Licensee will pay interest
on Security (works) for the period of delay beyond the specified period at the
SBI’s Short Term PLR prevalent on first of April of the relevant year. This
will be in addition to a penalty liable to be imposed on the Licensee under
Regulation 7 of these Regulations. 19.4 After deposit of Security
(works) by the
applicant as per Regulation 19.2, the Licensee will take up the work and
initiate other necessary steps for effecting supply of electricity within the
time limits as specified in Regulation 6 of these Regulations.
19.5 If the
applicant fails to deposit Security (works), the Licensee may not take up the
work of providing electric line or electrical plant, as the case may be, for
effecting supply of electricity to such applicant. 19.6 The Licensee will maintain
a record
of expenditure incurred
for providing an electric line or
electrical plant for
supply of electricity
to the applicant.
19.7 After execution of work of the electric line or electrical plant
as the case may be, the Licensee will be
entitled to demand from the applicant
the total amount actually incurred by the
Licensee (recoverable amount) for this
purpose and adjust Security (works) against such
recoverable amount. In the event of Security
(works) being in
excess of the recoverable amount, the excess amount will be determined by
the Licensee within sixty days from the date of release of
connection and refunded by adjustment against electricity bills of the immediately
succeeding months. 19.8 In case the recoverable
amount from the
applicant works out to be more than Security
(works), then a Demand
Notice will be
served on the applicant specifying such amount and requiring him to deposit the same. In case the applicant fails to deposit the balance
amount within a period of thirty days of the service of the Demand Notice, the
applicant will, for the period of delay,
be liable to pay interest on the balance amount at twice the SBI’s Short Term PLR prevalent
on first of
April of the relevant year. This will be in addition to the Licensee’s right to
disconnect supply of
electricity if it has already been
provided.
Note :
- Regulations 19.7 and 19.8 will be
applicable in cases where actual cost for release of connection, extension in
load/demand is to be recovered from the applicant as per Regulation 9 of these
Regulations. 20. Refund
of Security (works) and Security (meter)
20.1 On
withdrawal of application In the event
of an applicant
withdrawing the application
for new connection/extension in load ; (a) Security (works) deposited by the applicant will be
refunded in full where no expenditure
has been incurred
by the Licensee
for supply of
electricity. (b) In cases where works have been taken in
hand and some expenditure has been incurred by the Licensee for supply of
electricity, the expenditure so incurred will be deducted from Security (works)
and the balance amount will be refunded to the applicant. (c) In cases where works for supply of
electricity have been completed by the Licensee, no amount of Security (works)
will be refunded. Provided
that where the actual expenditure is less than the amount of Security (works), the excess
amount of Security
(works) over and above the actual expenditure will be
refunded to the applicant as per Regulation 19.8. 20.2 On
withdrawal of application for temporary connection (a) If the application
is withdrawn before the due date by which
supply of electricity is required
and no works are undertaken by the Licensee, the entire Security (works) will
be refunded. (b) If
the application is withdrawn
before the due date by which supply of electricity is required
and works have been taken up, no amount of
Security (works) will be refunded. (c) If
a Licensee fails to
release the connection by the due date
and the application is withdrawn thereafter, Security (works) will be refunded in full. 20.3 Security (meter) will be
refunded in full
in all cases
specified in Regulations 20.1 and 20.2. 20.4 The refund of Security (meter) and Security
(works) will be effected within sixty days of receipt of request from the
applicant. In case a Licensee fails to refund Security (meter) and Security (works)
within the stipulated period, he will for the period of default starting from
the 61st day of the date of withdrawal of application till the date
Security (meter) and Security (works) is refunded, be liable to pay interest at
twice the SBI’s Short Term PLR prevalent on first of April of the relevant
year. 21. Use, etc.
of Meters 21.1
Requirement of Meters The Licensee will not supply
electricity to any person, except through installation of a correct meter in accordance with the Regulations notified by the
Central Electricity Authority under Section 55 of the Act. 21.2
Supply and installation of meters (a)
The Licensee
will supply the meter/metering equipment to the applicant at the time of
release of a new connection or at any other time as required by the consumer
who will pay the monthly rental for such equipment at rates approved by the
Commission and specified in the Schedule of General Charges. The applicant may, if he so elects, obtain and
install his own meter/metering equipment of the make(s) as approved by the
Licensee after getting the same duly tested and sealed at the Licensee’s
laboratory. In such a case the Licensee will not charge any monthly rental for
the meter/metering equipment. Where the consumer has provided his own meter,
Security (meter) deposited by him alongwith the application will be adjusted in
the electricity bill(s) of the immediately succeeding months. (b) Meters
will be installed at the consumer’s premises according to mutual convenience of
the Licensee and the consumer. The consumer will be responsible for the
protection of the meter from theft or damage in all such cases. (c) The
Licensee may require a meter to be installed outside the premises of a consumer
and in such an event, the entire cost of installing the meter outside the
premises and providing a display unit within the premises will be borne by the
Licensee. However, the cost of display unit will be treated as part of the
meter cost while determining meter rentals. In a case where the meter/metering
equipment is installed by the Licensee outside the premises of a consumer, the
consumer will not be responsible for the protection of the meter from theft or
damage. (d) The
cost of shifting of meters already installed wherever required by the Licensee
will be borne by the Licensee. (e) In
the case of multi storey buildings/apartments, meter/metering equipment may be
installed near the entrance of the consumer premises or at any other convenient
common space provided that the cost of infrastructure from the premises of a
consumer to the common space is borne by the owner/promoter or an
association/society of occupants/ owners that may be formed in the complex. In
such a case, the owner/promoter or association/society would also be required
to ensure protection of the meter/metering equipment from theft or damage. (f) The
Licensee may install a remote metering device in the consumer’s premises and in
such a case the consumer will provide access to the meter through a telephone
line at his cost if so required by the Licensee. (g) Wherever
new meter/metering equipment is installed, the meter will be sealed by the
Licensee immediately thereafter in the presence of the consumer, as provided in
the Regulations notified by the Central Electricity Authority. No liability
will be cast on the consumer in case of delay in affixing of the seals by the
Licensee. The seals of the meter will be removed only by the Licensee, as and
when required and no consumer will tamper with, break or remove the seal(s)
under any circumstances. 21.3 Testing
of Meters (a) It
will be the responsibility of the Licensee to satisfy itself regarding the
accuracy of a meter before it is installed at the consumer premises. (b) The
Licensee shall maintain such number of accredited testing laboratories as per
the standards prescribed by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and
Calibration Laboratories (NABL) as the Commission may require and all such
laboratories will atleast be equipped with testing equipment as provided in the
Regulations notified by the Central Electricity Authority under Section 55 of
the Act. (c) After
testing in the laboratory, the body of the meter will be duly sealed by an
officer(s) authorized by the Licensee. (d) The
Licensee may also conduct periodical inspection/testing of the meters installed
at the consumers’ premises as per Regulations notified by the Central
Electricity Authority under Section 55 of the Act. (e) The
Commission may also require the Licensee to undertake third party testing of
meters/metering equipment installed at the consumers’ premises. 21.4 Defective
Meters (a) The
Licensee will have the right to test any meter and related apparatus installed
at a consumer’s premises if there is a reasonable doubt about its accuracy and
the consumer will provide the Licensee all necessary assistance in conducting
the test. The consumer will have the right to be present during such testing. (b) (i) A
consumer may request the Licensee to test the meter/metering equipment
installed in his premises, if he doubts its accuracy. The Licensee will
undertake such site testing within seven days on payment of fee as specified in
the Schedule of General Charges approved by the Commission. (ii) If
after testing, the meter is found to be defective then the fee deposited in
accordance with Regulation 21.4 (b) (i) will be refunded by adjustment in the
electricity bills for the immediately succeeding months. In case the meter is
found to be correct then such fee will be forfeited by the Licensee. (c)
In case a consumer is not
satisfied with the site testing of the meter installed in his premises or the
meter cannot be tested by the Licensee at site then the meter will be removed
and packed for testing in the laboratory of the Licensee and another duly
tested meter will be installed at the premises of such a consumer. In the event
the Licensee or the consumer apprehends tampering of meter and/or its seals
then the packing containing the meter will be jointly sealed by the Licensee
and the consumer. The seals will be broken and testing undertaken in the
laboratory of the Licensee in the presence of the consumer. (d) In
case of testing of a meter removed from the consumer premises in the Licensee’s
laboratory, the consumer would be informed of the proposed date of testing
atleast seven days in advance. The signature of the consumer, or his authorized
representative, if present, would be obtained on the Test Result Sheet and a
copy thereof supplied to the consumer. (e) In case
a meter installed at a consumer’s premises gets burnt, a new tested meter will
be installed within five days of the receipt of complaint. If the meter is
burnt due to reasons attributable to the consumer, the Licensee will debit the
cost of the meter to the consumer who will also be informed about his liability
to bear the cost. However, supply of electricity to the premises will be
immediately restored even if direct supply is to be resorted to, till such time
as another tested meter is installed. (f) In
case where a meter installed at a consumer’s premises is reported to have been
stolen and an FIR to this effect is lodged by the consumer, supply of
electricity will be immediately restored by the Licensee on consumer’s request
by installing another tested meter or by resorting to direct supply in case a
meter is not available. In all such cases, the cost of the meter will be
recovered from the consumer through electricity bills of the immediately
succeeding months. (g)
Overhauling of consumer
accounts (i)
If a meter on
testing is found to be beyond the limits of accuracy as prescribed in the
Regulations notified by the Central Electricity Authority under Section 55 of
the Act, the electricity charges for all categories of consumers will be
computed in accordance with the said test results for a period of six months
immediately preceding, the : (a) date of test in case the meter has been tested at
site to the satisfaction of the consumer ; or (b) date the defective meter is removed for testing in
the laboratory of the Licensee where such testing is undertaken at the instance
of the Licensee ; or (c) date of receipt of request from the consumer for
testing a meter in the laboratory of the Licensee. Any evidence provided by the consumer about conditions
of working and/or occupancy of the concerned premises during the said period(s)
which might have a bearing on computation of electricity consumption will,
however, be taken into consideration by the Licensee. (ii)
The accounts of
a consumer will be overhauled for the period a burnt meter remained at site and
for the period of direct supply, on the basis of energy consumption of the
corresponding period of the previous year after calibrating for the changes in
load, if any. In case the average consumption for the corresponding period of
the previous year is not available then the consumer will be tentatively billed
for the consumption to be assessed in the manner indicated in para-4 of Annexure-8
and subsequently adjusted on the basis of actual consumption in the
corresponding period of the succeeding year. (iii)
In case of
stolen meters the accounts of a consumer will be overhauled for the period of
direct supply as per procedure applicable for a burnt meter contained in Regulation
21.4 (g) (ii). (iv)
If a consumer is
liable to pay an additional amount or entitled to a refund in consequence of an
overhaul of his account in accordance with Regulations 21.4 (g) (i), (ii) and
(iii), the Licensee will effect recovery or adjust the excess amount in the
electricity bills of the immediately succeeding months. CHAPTER III – STANDARDS OF
PERFORMANCE 22. General
22.1 These
standards specify critical distribution system parameters which a Licensee
shall maintain with a view to providing an efficient, reliable and safe system
of electricity distribution and retail supply. These standards seek to : (a) ensure
that the Licensee meets minimum standards essential for the safety and optimal
performance of electrical equipment installed in a consumer’s premises, (b)
enable a consumer
to design his systems and install equipment suitable to the electrical
environment, and (c)
specify the
minimum levels of service to be provided by the Licensee in the short term and
move towards improved standards in the long term. 22.2 The standards specified in Annexure-1 are the
Minimum Standards of Performance that a Licensee will achieve. 22.3 The standards specified in Annexure-2 are the
Overall Standards of Performance which the Licensee will seek to achieve in the
discharge of its obligations as a Licensee. 22.4 The
Commission may specify different standards for a class or classes of the
Licensees. 23. Safety 23.1 The
construction, operation and maintenance of the distribution lines and sub-stations
will be carried out only in accordance with safety measures as may be specified
by the Central Electricity Authority under Section 53 of the Act. Till such
time these are specified by the Central Electricity Authority, the provisions
of the Indian Electricity Rules, 1956 will apply. 23.2 Grounding
to be provided for the equipment and lines and the earthing of sub stations will
be in accordance with IS:3043-Code of Practice for Earthing. 23.3 The
earthing system of the distribution network will be maintained in such a condition
so as to ensure instantaneous operation of a fuse, circuit breaker or other
protective equipment. 23.4 (a) The
Licensee may call upon any consumer to conform to the requisite safety
standards within a period of not less than twenty one days. In the event of
non-compliance of such standards persisting beyond twenty one days, the
Licensee may disconnect supply to any such consumer premises where continuance
of supply may reasonably be expected to affect system operations and safety. (b) In
emergent situations where safety of the Grid is likely to be effected,
disconnection may, however, be effected immediately. (c) The
connection will be restored immediately after the originating causes leading to
the disconnection are removed or rectified. 24. Harmonics (a)
The Licensee
will monitor harmonics
in respect of those EHT/HT
consumers, which it considers prone to generation of
harmonic currents and require such consumers to comply with standards as may be
specified by the Commission. (b) The
harmonic currents generated by a consumer will be jointly measured by the
Licensee and the consumer and its record maintained. (c) Consumers contributing harmonic
distortion in excess of the specified standards will be liable to pay penalty,
as may be specified by the Commission. 25. Complaint
handling 25.1 The Licensee
will register and attend to every complaint made by a consumer, verbally,
telephonically or in writing, regarding failure/interruption of supply, quality
of supply, functioning of meters/meter boxes/metering system, payment of bills
and other services relating to supply, as specified in the ‘Consumer Complaint
Handling Procedure’ approved by the Commission.
25.2 (i) The
Licensee will, in addition to its notified offices, set up an adequate number
of complaint centres for the registration of complaints by
consumers/applicants. These will include nodal notified offices/complaint
centres where an interactive voice recording system would be installed. The
Licensee will draw up a detailed plan for the installation of such a system including
computerization of data relating to the receipt and disposal of complaints. The
time table for the phased implementation of this plan will be submitted to the
Commission within three months of the notification of the Supply Code for
approval. Complaints pertaining to failure/interruption of supply listed in
para 1 of Annexure-1 will be registered by the Licensee at the complaint
centres in the format specified in Annexure-3A. The complainant will be
immediately intimated of the complaint number and the time of its registration.
(ii) All
other complaints listed in paras 2 to 7 of Annexure-1, made in writing in the
format appended to the ‘Consumer Complaint Handling Procedure’, will be
registered in the notified offices of the Licensee in the performa at
Annexure-3B. The complainant will be immediately intimated of the complaint
number and the time of its registration. (iii)
All complaints
will be attended to/rectified first by the officer/functionary incharge of the
notified office within the time limits specified by the Commission. In case the
complainant is not satisfied with the response or there is no response, the
complainant will have the right to approach the Divisional Dispute Settlement
Committee, as specified in the ‘Consumer Complaint Handling Procedure’. (iv)
The Commission
may at any time review the adequacy of the complaint centres set up by the
Licensee and direct the Licensee to establish additional centres where the
Commission is of the view that any area is not being adequately served. (v)
The Licensee
will every month compile data of complaints registered in formats 3A and 3B, in
the proforma at Annexure-4 and furnish the same to the Commission alongwith the
half yearly reports to be submitted as per Regulation 27. 25.3 The Licensee will
be required to maintain standards of performance for supply to all consumers as
specified in Annexure-1. The periods specified in these standards is the
maximum time permissible for services to be provided to the consumers. It will,
however, be the endeavor of the Licensee to provide the best possible services
well before the time limits specified in these Regulations. 26. Compensation 26.1 In the
event of failure to meet the Standards of Performance specified in Annexure-1 the
Licensee will be liable to pay compensation to the affected consumers as
specified in Annexure-5. 26.2 The
Licensee will where feasible without any request from the consumer pay the
compensation referred to in Regulation 26.1 within ninety days of the failure having
occurred by adjustment in the electricity bills of the immediately succeeding
months. The Commission will specify the procedure for payment of compensation
by a Licensee. 26.3 The
liability to pay compensation under Regulation 26.1 will commence from such
date as may be notified by the Commission. The Commission may, however, notify
different dates for enforcing different standards of performance. 26.4 (i) The
liabilities of the Licensee to pay compensation on his own under Regulation
26.1 will not in any manner affect the determination and payment of
compensation under the Act or any other law for the time being in force. (ii) The
compensation payable by the Licensee under Regulation 26.1 and attributable to
its negligence/inefficiency will not be allowed as a pass-through expense in
the Aggregate Revenue Requirements of the Licensee. 27. Information on Standards of Performance 27.1 The Licensee
will furnish the following information to the Commission in a half yearly
report and a consolidated annual report :- (a) the
levels of performance achieved by the Licensee with reference to those
specified in Annexure-1 to these Regulations as per proforma at Annexure – 6A ; (b) the measures taken by the Licensee to
improve performance in the areas covered by the minimum Standards and the Licensee’s
views on improved targets for the ensuing year ; (c) the number of claims preferred by consumers for failure to meet the Standards
of Performance and related information as per proforma at Annexure – 6B ; (d) the
levels of overall performance achieved with reference to those specified in
Annexure-2 to these Regulations ; (e) the
measures taken by the Licensee to generally improve performance in Overall
Standards (Annexure-2) and the Licensee’s views on improved targets for the
ensuing year ; and (f) any
other information that may be specifically sought by the Commission ; 27.2 The half
yearly report for the period April-September and the consolidated annual report
ending March thirty one, will be furnished to the Commission in the months of
October and April of that year. 27.3 The
Commission may direct the Licensee to publicise information furnished by the
Licensee under these Regulations in such form, manner and frequency as it may
deem appropriate but not inconsistent with the Act. 28. Exemption 28.1 The
Standards of Performance specified in these Regulations may be suspended during
Force Majeure conditions including war, mutiny, civil commotion,
riot, flood, cyclone, lightening, earthquake, lockout, fire that may affect a Licensee’s
installations or activities. In
case of any dispute as to the existence of Force Majeure conditions, the
decision of the Commission will be final. 28.2 Standards
of performance would also not be applicable where supply of electricity is
effected due to adoption of power regulatory measures by the Licensee under the
directions of Northern Regional Load Despatch Centre or State Load Despatch Centre.
28.3 The
Commission may after hearing the Licensee and representatives of affected
consumer(s) release the Licensee from liability to compensate consumer(s) for
any default in the performance, if the Commission is satisfied that the
Licensee has made all due efforts to fulfil its obligations and that such
default is for reasons not attributable
to the Licensee. CHAPTER IV - ELECTRICITY SUPPLY CODE 29. Recovery
of electricity charges from consumers 29.1 A Licensee may recover from a consumer any
charges due to him in respect of the supply of electricity or for the provision
of any meter, electric line or electrical plant. In addition, a consumer will be
liable to pay any additional charges leviable relating to the supply of
electricity as per conditions in force.
29.2 The Licensee will recover all such charges
for electricity/electrical equipment supplied as per the tariff determined or
charges approved by the Commission. 29.3
Consumers will also be liable to pay
the amounts chargeable by way of taxes, duties, octroi, cess and the like as may
be levied by the State Government or any other competent authority. 29.4 All consumers will for every billing cycle
effect payments to the Licensee within the time specified in Regulation 31 at
the notified offices of the Licensee or any other place specified by the Licensee
for the purpose. 30. Electricity
bills 30.1 The Licensee will issue bills to the
consumer for the electricity supplied or for other services rendered with a
periodicity of, (a) not
more than two months in respect of Domestic Supply (DS) and Non-Residential
Supply (NRS) consumers with loads less than 50 KW ; (b) in the
case of DS and NRS consumers with loads of 50 KW and above and all other
categories of consumers including agricultural pump sets (metered supply),
bills will be issued monthly. Provided that electricity charges will be collected
on a monthly basis from agricultural consumers charged at a flat rate and
suitable entries made to that effect in a passbook to be provided by the
Licensee to each such consumer. The passbook may also contain such other
information as may be specified by the Licensee. 30.2 When supply to a new consumer is commenced
in the middle of a billing cycle, the fixed charges, minimum charges and/or any
other similar charges will be levied prorata for the number of days for which
supply is given during the billing cycle. 30.3 The consumers will pay on a pro-rata basis
in case any tariff/other charges are made applicable in the middle of a billing
cycle. 30.4 In the event of supply of electricity to any
category of consumers being fully or partially subsidized by the State
Government, payment of electricity charges for such consumers to the Licensee
will be effected by the State Government in the manner specified by the
Commission. 30.5 (a) A consumer
bill will disclose the periodicity of billing, date when the meter was read,
the date of issue of bill, the due date for payment and the additional amount
payable in case payment is delayed. The bill will also include other particulars
as detailed in Annexure-7. (b) The
bill for arrears in the case of under assessment or the charges levied as a
result of checking etc. will be initially tendered separately and will not be
clubbed with the current electricity bill. The arrear bill would briefly indicate
the nature and period of the arrears. 30.6 The meter of a consumer will be read on one
of three specified days in a billing month/period and such days will be
publicized in advance. However, where meter is installed outside the consumer’s
premises and a display unit installed inside the premises, the readings of the
consumer meter and not the display unit will be taken into account for billing
purposes. 30.7 A meter reading card/passbook will be
provided by the Licensee to each consumer to record the periodical readings
taken for billing purposes, which will be readily available at the premises
where a meter is installed and the meter reader will, except in case of remote
reading, enter the meter reading and the date thereof in the said meter reading
card/passbook. Any officer/ functionary authorized by a Licensee who
cross-checks meter readings or replaces a meter and/or its seals will also
record the changes in the reading, meter and/or its seals as the case may be in
the meter reading card/pass book. 30.8 The bill will be delivered to the consumer
immediately in case of spot billing and in other cases within a period not
exceeding twenty one days from the date of meter reading. 30.9 The bills will be sent to the consumers,
other than the HT/EHT category, either by post or by hand delivery and in case
of HT/EHT consumers, either under certificate of posting or by hand delivery.
The fact of despatch of bills to consumers of a particular area will be
displayed on the notice board at the notified office of the Licensee and will
also be publicized in such other manner as the Commission may direct. The loss
of the bill in transit if sent by post will not be the responsibility of the Licensee.
In case of hand delivery, record of delivery of the bill will be maintained at
the notified office of the Licensee. 30.10 The Licensee’s notified offices will maintain
facilities to provide duplicate bills immediately on request from a consumer.
Non-receipt of the bill, however, will not entitle a consumer to delay payment
beyond the due date. 30.11 The Licensee will issue the first bill for a
new connection released during a billing cycle before the end of the next
billing cycle. In case a consumer does not receive the first bill by the end of
the next billing cycle, he will inform the officer/functionary incharge of
notified office of the Licensee who will arrange for issue of the bill within
ten days. 30.12 It will be the responsibility of the owner of a
premises to get a special reading done by the Licensee at the time of change of
occupancy or on the premises falling vacant. The owner or occupier may request the
Licensee in writing for a special reading at least 15 days in advance of such a
change. The Licensee will arrange a special reading and deliver the final bill,
including all arrears till the date of billing, within 7 days of the meter
reading. The final bill will also include payment for the period between the
date of special reading and the proposed vacation of the premises on a prorata
basis. 30.13 If a consumer vacates any premises to which
electricity has been supplied by a Licensee without paying all charges due from
him in respect of such supply, or for the provision of an electricity meter,
electric line or electrical plant, the Licensee may refuse to give him supply
at any other premises until he pays the amount due. However, the Licensee will
not be entitled to require payment of such amount from the next occupier of the
premises. 30.14 Once the final bill is raised under Regulation
30.12, the Licensee will not have the right to recover any other charge(s). 31. Payment
of electricity bills 31.1 Payment of the bills by different categories
of consumers will be effected within a period of ; 31.2 The payment of the bills will be effected at
the notified local collection centres of the Licensee or any other facilities
as notified by it on any working day during hours allocated for the purpose. 31.3 If the due date indicated in the bill for
payment is a Sunday or a Public Holiday declared by the State Government or if the
Licensee’s office is closed for any other reason, the succeeding working day
will be treated as the due date. 31.4 The consumer will at the time of payment present
the bill delivered to him or a duplicate bill without which payment may not be
accepted. However a duplicate bill may not be insisted upon
where it is feasible to accept payment without a bill. 31.5 The bill will be paid by the consumer in
cash, by local cheque, banker’s cheque, demand draft, bank transfer, ebanking/credit/debit
card where feasible or in such other manner, as the Licensee may notify. The
Licensee will endeavor to introduce payment of bills through
ebanking/credit/debit card at the earliest. Provided that the Licensee may not accept cash
payment, if the total amount payable exceeds five thousand rupees. 31.6 The Licensee
or his authorized collection agency will issue a receipt to the consumer for
payment of the bill. In case of payment made by cheque, the Licensee will issue
an acknowledgement of receipt of the cheque. A bank certificate indicating transfer
of money to the Licensee’s account, will be sufficient proof of payment. 31.7 In case the cheque tendered by a consumer is
not honoured, action may be initiated by the Licensee treating it as a case of
non-payment. The Licensee may not accept further payment through cheques from
such a consumer for a period of one year from the billing month for which the
cheque tendered by the consumer was not honoured and the consumer may be
required to pay the bill in cash or by demand draft only. 32. Advance
payment of electricity bills The consumer may effect advance payment of future
bills which will be adjusted in the succeeding months. The Licensee will,
however, continue to issue monthly/bimonthly bills which would indicate the amount
adjusted and the balance amount of advance payment. 33. Additional
charges for delayed payment of electricity bills (a) In
case a consumer does not pay the bill or an arrear bill by the due date, late
payment surcharge shall be payable as per General Conditions of Tariff approved
by the Commission. (b) The
unpaid amount of the arrears/current bill etc. will be treated as part of next
bill and shown as arrears in Col. n (11) of the bill as per Annexure-7. 34. Adjustment
of amounts paid The amount paid by a consumer against a bill will be
adjusted as per priority stated hereunder : (a)
arrears as on thirty first of March
of the previous financial year, (b) arrears
accrued from first of April of the current financial year till the date of
bill, (c)
electricity charges for the current
billing cycle, and (d) Any other charges or levies. 35. Disputed
electricity bills 35.1 A consumer will effect full payment of the
billed amount even if it is disputed failing which the Licensee may initiate
action treating it as a case of non-payment. Provided that no action will be initiated if such a consumer
deposits, under protest,- (a)
an amount equal to the sum claimed
from him, or (b) the electricity
charges for each month calculated on the basis of average charge for
electricity paid by him during the preceding six months, whichever is less,
pending disposal of any dispute between him and the Licensee. 35.2 Notwithstanding anything contained in any
other law for the time being in force, no sum due from any consumer, under this
Regulation shall be recoverable after the period of two years from the date
when such sum became first due unless such sum has been shown continuously as
recoverable as arrear of charges for electricity supplied. 35.3 The Licensee will after the receipt of a
complaint from a consumer in its notified office, decide on the billing dispute
within twenty four hours if no additional information is required and within
seven days if additional information is required. 35.4 If on examination of a complaint, the Licensee
finds a bill to be erroneous, a revised bill will be issued to the consumer
indicating a revised due date of payment, which will not be earlier than seven
days from the date of delivery of the revised bill to the consumer. If the amount
paid by the consumer under Regulation 35.1 is in excess of the revised bill,
such excess amount will be refunded through adjustment first against any outstanding
amount due to the Licensee and then against the amount becoming due to the Licensee
immediately thereafter. The Licensee will pay to such consumer interest on the
excess amount at twice the SBI’s Short Term PLR prevalent
on first of April of the relevant year from the date of payment till such time
the excess amount is adjusted. 35.5 If the Licensee finds the bill to be
correct, the consumer will be intimated accordingly and will be required to pay
the balance amount if any alongwith additional charges for delayed payment from
the due date, initially stipulated in the bill. 35.6 In case the consumer is not satisfied with
the decision of the Licensee, he may after effecting payment in terms of Regulation
35.1 seek redressal in accordance with the Consumer Complaint Handling
Procedure approved by the Commission. 36. Unauthorized use of electricity 36.1 Procedure in a case of unauthorized use of
electricity (a) An
Assessing Officer, designated as such by the State Government will suo-motu or
on receipt of information/complaint regarding unauthorized use of electricity
in a premises/area, promptly inspect such premises/ area. (b) The
Assessing Officer and other members of his team will at the time of inspection
carry along with them identity cards, which will on demand be shown to the
person present at site before entering the premises. (c) If on
inspection of the premises/area and/or scrutiny of the records, the Assessing
Officer comes to the conclusion that the person is indulging in unauthorized
use of electricity, he will prepare an inspection report inter alia indicating
connected load, condition of seals and meter and also giving details of
evidence substantiating the unauthorized use. The Assessing Officer will
wherever possible photograph/videograph the means of such unauthorized use. (d) The
inspection report will be signed by the Assessing Officer and a copy handed
over to the person/consumer or his/her representative present at site. In case
of refusal to accept the report, a copy of the inspection report will be pasted
at a conspicuous place in/outside the premises and another sent under
registered post. The Inspection Report may also be signed by the person present
at site. (e) In
case theft of electricity is detected by the Assessing Officer at the time of
inspection under Regulation 36.1 (a), then in case the Assessing Officer is
himself not an Authorized Officer under Section 135 of the Act, an immediate
reference reporting the facts will be made to the Authorized Officer for taking
further action under Regulation 37. The Assessing Officer will also take
suitable measures to ensure that status of the means adopted for theft is
maintained as ‘in found condition’ at the premises till investigation is
initiated by the Authorized Officer. (f) The
Assessing Officer will provisionally assess the amount payable by the
consumer/person benefited by the unauthorized use of electricity as per
procedure specified in Annexure-8. (g) The
provisional assessment order will be issued within forty eight hours of inspection and served upon the
consumer/person in such a manner as may be prescribed by the State Government. (h) The
consumer/person served with the order of provisional assessment may accept such
assessment and deposit the assessed amount with the Licensee within seven days
of the order being served on him. 36.2 Final
Assessment (a) Any
consumer/person not satisfied with the provisional assessment shall be entitled
to file objections, if any, against the provisional assessment order before the
Assessing Officer within seven days of the order having been served upon him. (b) Within
seven days of submission of the objections, the Assessing Officer will
scrutinize the case and if no unauthorized use of electricity is established,
the case will be dropped immediately and the person/consumer informed
accordingly. (c) If
the Assessing Officer is still of the view that unauthorized use of electricity
has taken place, he shall after providing an opportunity of personal hearing to
the consumer/person pass a final order of assessment specifying the amount
payable within thirty days of the date of service of order of provisional
assessment. In such a case the Assessing
Officer will assess the electricity consumption and electricity charges as per
the procedure given in Annexure-8. (d) The
consumer/person will be required to deposit the assessed amount with the
Licensee within seven days of receipt of the final order of assessment. The
Licensee may extend the last date of payment of the assessed amount or allow
the payment in installments subject to payment of interest on the unpaid amount
for the extended period beyond seven days at the SBI’s Short Term PLR prevalent
on first of April of the relevant year.
(e) The
consumer/person served with the final order of assessment may accept it and
deposit the assessed amount with the Licensee. 36.3 Appeal to appellate authority (a) The
consumer/person aggrieved by the final assessment order made under Regulation
36.2 may, within thirty days of the said order, prefer an appeal in such form,
verified in such manner and accompanied by such fee as specified by the
Commission in its Regulations for ‘Procedure of filing Appeal before the
Appellate Authority’. No appeal shall be entertained by the Appellate
Authority prescribed by the State Government unless the consumer/person
deposits with the Licensee an amount equal to half of the assessed amount inclusive
of the amount already deposited as per Regulation 36.2 (d) and encloses documentary
evidence of such deposit along with the appeal. No appeal will lie against the
final order of the assessment if it has been passed with the consent of the
parties. (b) The
Appellate Authority will within ninety days of an appeal being admitted, pass a
final order (Appellate Order) and forward copies thereof to the Licensee, the Assessing
Officer and the appellant. The order of the Appellate Authority shall be final.
(c) In
case the Appellate Authority holds that no case of unauthorized use of electricity
is established, no further proceedings will be initiated by the Licensee and
the amount deposited by the appellant refunded alongwith interest for the
period from the date of deposit till the amount recovered is adjusted, at the
SBI’s Short Term PLR prevalent on first of April of the relevant year, through
adjustment in the electricity bills of the immediately succeeding months. (d) Where
a case of unauthorized use of electricity is established, the consumer/person
will within thirty days effect payment of the balance amount as per the
Appellate Order. (e) In
case the amount payable as determined by the Appellate Authority is less than
the amount already deposited by the consumer/person, the excess amount will be
refunded by adjustment in the bills of the immediately succeeding months
together with interest at SBI’s Short Term PLR prevalent on first of April of
the relevant year for the period from the date of such excess deposit till the
date of actual adjustment. 36.4 Default in payment of amount assessed In
case of default in payment of the assessed amount or any installments thereof by a consumer, the Licensee will, without
any notice disconnect the supply of electricity. The defaulter, on the expiry
of thirty days from the final order of assessment or the decision of the appeal
as the case may be, will also be liable to pay interest on the outstanding
amount at the rate of sixteen percent per annum compounded every six months till the assessed amount
is finally paid. 37. Theft
of Electricity 37.1 Procedure in a case for theft of
electricity (a) An
Authorized Officer will promptly inspect such a premises where he has reason to
believe or has been intimated by an Assessing Officer under Regulation 36.1 (e)
that theft of electricity has occurred or is occurring. (b) The
Authorized Officer and other members of his team will, at the time of
inspection carry identity cards, which will on demand be shown to the consumer/
person present at site before entering the premises. (c) The Authorized Officer will prepare
an inspection report inter alia indicating connected load (wherever required),
status of meter/metering equipment, condition of meter and seals and any other
irregularity noticed (such as means adopted for theft of electricity ) in such
premises. (d) The
Authorized Officer will record evidence substantiating theft of electricity in
the premises and will, wherever possible, photograph/videograph the means of
theft of electricity. (e) The
occupant of the place of search or any person on his behalf shall remain
present during the search and a list of all items seized in the course of such
search shall be prepared and delivered to such occupant or person. Provided that no inspection, search and seizure of
any domestic places or premises shall be carried out between sunset and sunrise
except in the presence of an adult male member occupying such premises. (f) The
Authorized Officer will sign the inspection report and hand over a copy to the
occupant/person present at the premises during the search. In case of refusal
to receive the inspection report, a copy of the same will be pasted at a
conspicuous place in/outside the premises and another copy sent to the
consumer/ person under registered post.
The inspection report will, in the case of suspected theft of
electricity, indicate the time in which the occupant/person may respond to the
said report before the Authorized Officer gives his findings in accordance with
Regulation 37.2 (a) (iii). (g) The
Authorized Officer will obtain signatures of the occupant/person present during
the search on the seizure memo and inspection report referred to in (e) and (f)
above. 37.2Consequences of theft of electricity (a)(i) In
case theft of electricity by a consumer/person is prima facie established, then
the supply to such premises will be immediately disconnected by an officer of
the Licensee as authorized for the purpose by the Commission or any other
officer of the Licensee of the rank higher than the rank of an officer so authorized
by the Commission. In such a case, an officer so authorized by the Commission shall
lodge a complaint in writing, in this respect with the police station having
jurisdiction of the area within twenty four hours from the time of such
disconnection. The Authorized Officer will also immediately initiate action
under Regulation 37.2 (b). (ii)
In case where a consumer is suspected to have indulged/indulging in
theft of electricity by tampering with the meter/metering equipment and/or its
seals or otherwise then such equipment shall be sealed by the Authorized
Officer so as to keep it as ‘in found condition’. The consumer or his
representative will also be permitted to affix his seal at that time. (iii)
In all cases falling under Regulation 37.2 (a) (ii) the Authorized
Officer will, after giving the consumer/person an opportunity of being heard,
determine within seven days whether or not there is sufficient evidence to
conclude that a case of theft of electricity is prima facie established. (iv) In
case of suspected theft of electricity by tampering with meter/metering
equipment or its seals or otherwise, detected as per Regulation 37.2 (a) (ii)
is not established, the Authorized Officer will record reasons therefor after
which all further proceedings will be dropped and the consumer/person informed
accordingly. (v) In the event a suspected case of theft of
electricity by tampering with meter/metering equipment or its seals or
otherwise is prima facie established, then further action will be immediately
initiated in accordance with Regulation 37.2 (a) (i). (b) Where theft of electricity in a premises is
prima facie established under Regulation 37.2 (a) (i) or Regulation 37.2 (a)
(v), the Authorized Officer will assess the amount payable by the
consumer/person who has benefited by such theft as per procedure specified at
Annexure-8. The assessment order will
state the basis on which theft of electricity has been established. The
Authorized Officer may, after recording reasons in writing, suitably reduce the
presumptive period of theft of electricity as specified in Annexure-8 in case
he is satisfied that such theft had actually occurred for a lesser period. Such
an order of assessment will be delivered to the concerned consumer/person within
24 hours of theft of electricity having been established.
(c) (i) A
consumer/person not satisfied with the assessment order may prefer within 15
days of the assessment a representation
before an authority designated for this purpose by the Commission in respect of
each Licensee. The designated authority will after giving the consumer/person
an opportunity of being heard pass a final order within seven days of the
representation having been received.
(ii) The Authorized Officer or
the designated authority under Regulation 37.2 (b) or 37.2 (c) (i) as the case
may be, will furnish a copy of the final order to the consumer and the
Licensee. The Licensee will submit a copy of the final order in the (iii) A consumer/person will deposit with the
Licensee the assessed amount under Regulation 37.2 (b) within fifteen days of
the assessment or the finally determined amount under Regulation 37.2 (c) (i)
within three days of the order having been passed. Even after depositing the
assessed amount, a consumer/person will have the right to prefer a
representation before the designated authority in accordance with Regulation
37.2 (c) (i). (iv) The
Licensee may extend the last date of payment of the assessed amount/amount
determined under Regulation 37.2 (c) (i) or allow the consumer to make payment
in instalments subject to payment of interest for the unpaid amount for the extended
period beyond fifteen days at SBI’s Short Term PLR prevalent on first of April
of the relevant year. (v) After the
assessed/determined amount is deposited by the consumer, in full, the Licensee
will resume supply of electricity to the premises within forty eight hours of
such deposit. (vi) After the assessed amount/determined amount is
deposited by a person who is not an existing consumer, the supply to his
premises will be released treating it as a case of release of a new connection. (vii) In
case the amount determined under Regulation 37.2 (c) (i) varies from the assessment
effected, then any excess amount or shortfall in the earlier deposited amount
will be adjusted/recovered in the electricity bills of the immediately
succeeding months. 37.3 In case the civil liability finally
determined by the Special Court is less than the amount deposited by the
consumer/person under Regulation 37.2, the excess amount so deposited will be
refunded within fifteen days from the date of communication of the order of the
Special Court to the Licensee together with interest at SBI’s Short Term PLR
prevalent on first of April of the relevant year for the period from the date
of such excess deposit till the date of payment. 37.4 Compounding (a) The State Government or any Officer
authorized by it may accept from any consumer/person who has committed or is
reasonably suspected of theft of electricity, a sum of money as compounding fee
at rates notified by the State Government. In the event of such rates not
having been notified, rates as in Section 152 of the Act will apply. (b) On receipt of such amount, all criminal
proceedings against the consumer/person under this Act shall be dropped. The
payment of compounding fee will be in addition to any civil liability accruing
under Regulation 37.2. (c) The compounding of an offence of theft of
electricity shall be allowed only once to any consumer/person. 38. Tampering, distress or damage to
electrical plant, lines or meter 38.1 If any person
intentionally or by negligence damages or allows to be damaged any electric plant or electric
line belonging to a Licensee, he will be liable to pay the expenses likely
to be incurred for repair/replacement of such plant/line, as assessed by the Licensee
without prejudice to the right of the Licensee to take any other action under
the Act. 38.2 (i) The Licensee will, within 24 hours of
any such damage to an electric line or plant, arrange that the likely
expenditure for the repair/replacement thereof is provisionally assessed. The
person concerned will be required to deposit the provisionally assessed amount
within two days of the intimation of the assessment. In the event of the person
not being satisfied with the provisional assessment, he may after depositing
such amount submit a representation to the notified officer of the Licensee who
will after providing the concerned person an opportunity of being heard,
make final assessment within seven
days. (ii) In
case the amount deposited by the person exceeds the finally assessed amount
then such excess amount will be refunded by the Licensee within two working
days of the final assessment. Where the person is a consumer, the refund will be
allowed through adjustment in the electricity bills of the immediately
succeeding months. (iii) In
the event of the person still not being satisfied with the final assessment so
made, he may seek redressal as per the Consumer Complaint Handling Procedure of
the Licensee approved by the Commission. 38.3 The Licensee may
discontinue the supply of electricity to the consumer until the finally
assessed expenses have been deposited. 38.4 Any case of damage to
a meter will be dealt with as per Regulation 21 of these Regulations. 39. Disconnection
of supply 39.1 Where a consumer fails to deposit the billed
amount with the Licensee by the due date mentioned in the bill, the Licensee
may, after giving not less than fifteen clear days’ notice in writing to such consumer
and without prejudice to his other rights to recover such amount, disconnect
supply to the consumer and for that purpose disconnect any electric supply line
or other works being the property of such a Licensee. Provided that the supply of electricity shall not be
disconnected (i)
if a consumer makes payment
under protest as per Regulation 35.1 of these Regulations ;. (ii) If
any sum is not recoverable as per Regulation 35.2 of these Regulations. Provided further that save in the case of theft of
electricity, the supply of electricity to a consumer will not be disconnected
on a day when the next day is a holiday in the offices of the Licensee. 39.2 The Licensee will not resume supply of
electricity to the consumer until such outstanding amount together with charges
if any for disconnecting and reconnecting the supply, specified in the Schedule
of General Charges approved by the Commission are paid by the consumer. 39.3 In case of continued default in payment of any
amount due to the Licensee by any consumer for a period of more than six
months, the Licensee may terminate the agreement executed with the consumer in
accordance with the ‘Conditions of Supply’ of the Licensee as approved by the
Commission and remove the electric line or works connected with the supply of
electricity to the consumer. 40. Restoration
of supply of electricity 40.1 Where
a Licensee has disconnected supply of electricity to any premises in
consequence of a default on the part of the consumer, the Licensee shall resume
supply of electricity within twenty four hours from the time the consumer : (a) makes good the default, (b) pays the
prescribed amount as per Schedule of General Charges, if any for disconnecting
and reconnecting the supply of electricity, (c) pays the
monthly minimum charges/ fixed charges for the period of disconnection and the
additional charges for the delayed payment. Provided, however, that if the
electric line or plant supplying electricity to the consumer is/are removed by reason of
disconnection, the Licensee will restore supply after undertaking the work for
providing the electric line or plant within the time specified in the case of a
new connection and the consumer will deposit charges as if a new connection is
being released. 40.2 Supply to the consumer will be immediately
reconnected, if the Licensee reasonably believes that the circumstances leading
to the disconnection were actually an omission on the part of the Licensee. In
such an event, no charges on any account will be recoverable from the consumer. 41. Entry
of the Licensee to consumer premises 41.1 The Licensee or any person authorized by
him may, at any reasonable time and on informing the occupier of his intention,
after establishing his identity, enter any premises to which electricity is
being supplied or is to be supplied by the Licensee for any of the following
purposes ; (a) Inspecting,
testing, repairing or altering the electric supply lines, meters, fittings,
works or other apparatus for the supply of electricity belonging to the
Licensee ; (b) ascertaining the quantity of electricity
supplied or the electrical quantity contained in the supply.; (c) removing,
where supply of electricity is no longer required or where the Licensee is
authorized to take away and disconnect such supply, any electric supply lines,
meters, fittings, works or apparatus belonging to the Licensee. 41.2 The Licensee or any person authorized by him
may also, in pursuance of a special order in this behalf made by an Executive
Magistrate and after giving not less than twenty-four hours notice in writing
to the occupier: (a) enter any premises or land referred to in
Regulation 41.1 for any of the purposes mentioned therein ; (b) enter any premises to which electricity
is to be supplied for the purpose of examining and testing the electric wires
fittings, works and other apparatus for the use of electricity belonging to the
consumer. 41.3 If a consumer/occupant refuses to allow the
Licensee or any person authorized by the Licensee to enter the premises in
pursuance to Regulations 41.1 and 41.2 or refuses to allow him to perform any
act which he is authorized to perform under these Regulations, the Licensee
may, after expiry of twenty-four hours from the service of a notice in writing
on the consumer/occupant disconnect supply of electricity to the premises for
the time such refusal or failure continues. 42. Measures to prevent diversion of
electricity, theft or unauthorized use of electricity or tampering, distress or
damage to electrical plant, electric lines or meter With a view to discouraging theft or
unauthorized use of electricity or tampering, distress or damage to electrical
plant, electric lines or meter, the Licensee will inter alia initiate
preventive measures detailed below : (a) arrange annual
inspection, testing and certification of meters of at least 20% of total
connections in his area of operation, (b) annually install pilfer
proof/improved meter boxes on atleast 20% of existing connections till the said
meter boxes are installed on all the connections. (c) periodically inspect the status of service lines and
ensure replacement wherever required, (d) relocate at its cost the meters of existing
consumers to an appropriate location so that these are easily accessible for
reading, inspection/ testing and the like. (e) arrange to provide
publicity to enhance awareness of the potential of reducing commercial losses
and the beneficial implications thereof to the consumer. (f) initiate steps to prevent theft by : (i) replacement
of overhead bare conductors with cables ; (ii) provision
of high voltage distribution system ; (iii) draw up an
annual plan for reduction of commercial/technical losses. 43. Energy Conservation (a) The Licensee will take
all requisite measures to promote energy
conservation in its area of supply and encourage/incentivise consumers
in adopting suitable conservation practices in their premises. (b) The Licensee will for
this purpose annually prepare an Energy Conservation Plan which will be
furnished to the Commission alongwith the ARR. CHAPTER V -
MISCELLANEOUS 44. Service
of notice Any order/notice to a person/consumer by the Licensee including a notice
under Section 56 of the Act, shall be deemed to be duly served by the Licensee if it is : a) sent
by registered post, under certificate of posting, or by courier, b) delivered
by hand to a consumer/person and an acknowledgement taken from any person in
the premises, or c) affixed at a conspicuous part of such premises in case there is
no person available, to whom the order/notice can, with reasonable diligence,
be delivered. 45. Any
electrical plant, electric line or meter owned by or leased to a consumer by a Licensee
or having sufficient marking indicating the Licensee as the owner thereof, will
: (a) not be deemed
to be a landlord’s fixtures, not withstanding that these may be fixed or
fastened to any part of his premises ; and (b) not
be subject to distress or be liable to be attached in execution under process
of any court or any proceedings against the person in whose possession these
may be. 46. Obligation of Transmission Licensee (s) State Transmission Utility
and/or any other transmission Licensee operating in the State will where
necessary extend all reasonable co-operation to enable a Licensee to release
new connection or additional load/demand to an applicant in accordance with
these Regulations. 47. Interpretation 47.1 These Regulations will be read
and construed in all respects as being subject to the provisions of the Act,
and the provisions of any other law for the time being in force. 47.2 Nothing contained in these Regulations will abridge or prejudice
the rights of the Licensee and the consumer under the Act or any Rules or Regulations
made there under. 48. Issue of orders and practice directions Subject to the provisions of the Act and these
Regulations, the Commission may, from time to time, issue orders and directions
in regard to the implementation of these Regulations and matters incidental or
ancillary thereto. 49. Powers to remove difficulties If any difficulty arises in giving effect to any of the provisions of
these Regulations, the Commission may do or undertake things or by a general or
special order, direct the Licensee, to take suitable action, not being
inconsistent with the Act, which appears to the Commission to be necessary or
expedient for the purpose of removing difficulties. 50. Power to amend The
Commission may, at any time, add or amend any of the provisions of these
Regulations.
BY ORDER OF THE COMMISSION
SECRETARY TO THE COMMISSION
and/or change of category complete with supporting documents in
case of LT consumer and 14 days in
case of HT/EHT consumer.
(b) Conversion from Low 30 days from the date of receipt of
Tension single phase to request alongwith payment of prescribed
low tension three phase charges and compliance of other pre-
or vice versa requisites by the consumer
(c) Conversion from Low 60 days from the date of receipt of
Tension to High Tension request alongwith payment of prescribed
or vice versa charges and compliance of other pre-
requisites by the consumer
(d) Conversion from High Tension 120 days from the date of receipt of
to extra High Tension request alongwith payment of prescribed
or vice versa charges and compliance of other pre-
requisites by the consumer
In case
the Licensee fails torefund
the excess amount and adjust it against electricity bills of
the immediately succeeding months, the Licensee will be liable to pay
interest on the excess amount at twice the SBI’s Short Term PLR prevalent on first
of April of
the relevant year for the period of delay beyond sixty days of
the date of
release of connection
till the excess
amount is adjusted. The amount
of such interest will be adjusted against the
electricity bills thereafter.
In case
of withdrawal of application
for temporary connection, the following
procedure will be adopted for refund of Security (works) :-