The Ministry of Power has released the draft Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Second Amendment Rules 2023, aiming to bring about crucial changes in the regulations governing electricity rights for consumers. The ministry has invited comments on the draft, providing stakeholders a 30-day window until January 12, 2024, to share their feedback. The amendments also streamline the process for installing solar rooftop systems. For systems up to 10 kilowatts, no technical feasibility study is required, and the distribution licensee is responsible for developing the necessary distribution infrastructure. If the outcome of a technical feasibility study is not communicated within the prescribed period, it is presumed that the proposal is technically feasible.
After the installation of solar PV systems, consumers must submit an installation certificate to the distribution licensee. The licensee is then required to complete the connection agreement, meter installation, and commissioning of the solar PV system within a timeframe specified by the commission, not exceeding 15 days.
The amendments, authorized under section 176 of the Electricity Act 2003, seek to modify the Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules 2020. Referred to as the Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Second Amendment Rules 2023, these rules are set to come into force upon their publication in the official gazette.
One notable change is in Rule 4 of the Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules 2020, specifically in sub-rule (11). The amendment empowers the regulatory commission to specify a maximum time period, not exceeding three days in metro cities, seven days in other municipal areas, and 15 days in rural areas, within which distribution licensees must provide new connections or modify existing ones after receiving a complete application.
The amendment further emphasizes the provision of individual connections for electricity supply to owners or occupiers in Group Housing Societies, residential colonies, Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), or similar registered bodies. This move is geared towards streamlining the process and ensuring equitable access to electricity.
Additionally, the rules outline provisions for the supply of electricity through a single-point connection by Group Housing Societies, residential colonies, RWAs, or similar registered bodies. Tariff charges from individual consumers within these setups are not to exceed the retail tariff determined by the regulatory commission for that consumer category. Any additional charges, specifically for providing electricity to individual consumers from a single-point connection, must be within limits prescribed by the regulatory commission.
A significant inclusion in the amendments addresses the growing need for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. The rules mandate the distribution licensee to provide a separate connection for electricity supply to EV charging systems upon request by individual consumers or registered bodies.
Furthermore, the rules define a timeline for testing meters, requiring distribution licensees to conduct meter tests within a period specified by the commission, not exceeding 30 days, upon receiving consumer complaints about meter readings. In case of discrepancies, the distribution licensee must install an additional meter within three days to verify consumption for a specified period, as determined by the commission. These amendments are poised to bring transparency, efficiency, and consumer-friendly practices to the electricity distribution sector in India. Stakeholders and the public now have the opportunity to provide valuable input during the comment period, contributing to the shaping of these rules that will play a pivotal role in the future of India’s electricity landscape.
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