The Andhra Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (APERC) has released a draft regulation proposing the fourth amendment to the existing Regulation No. 4 of 2013, which governs the licensees’ duty for supply of electricity on request and the recovery of expenses for providing electric line or electrical plant. This draft was issued in response to the evolving needs of consumers and the policy direction set by the Ministry of Power, Government of India. The amendment focuses on simplifying and standardizing connection charges for new and additional low tension (LT) electricity supply connections up to 150 kW without the need for site-specific inspections and estimations.
The principal regulation has already undergone three amendments since its notification in 2013. The latest draft, dated 19 May 2025, proposes to align state regulations with the Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules, 2020 issued by the central government. These rules emphasize fixed connection charges based on connected load and service category, specifically up to 150 kW, to ease and fast-track electricity connections in already electrified areas.
Following requests from distribution companies such as APEPDCL, APSPDCL, and APCPDCL, APERC collected cost data and determined fixed service connection charges for the financial year 2025–26. The fixed charges are divided by consumer category and load slabs. For instance, domestic users with loads up to 500 watts will pay ₹800, while those with loads between 501 watts to 1,000 watts will pay ₹1,500. Consumers with loads above 1 kW and up to 20 kW will be charged ₹1,500 plus ₹2,000 per kW or part thereof. For loads above 20 kW and up to 150 kW, the charge is set at ₹12,600 per kW.
Similar fixed rates apply to commercial, industrial, and high tension (HT) categories, with HT 11 kV services above 75 kW and up to 150 kW charged at ₹4,400 per kW, with the Distribution Transformer (DTR) being the consumer’s responsibility. Consumers can opt for either LT or HT supply if their load exceeds 75 kW or 100 HP.
These charges do not apply to consumers beyond 1 km of an electrified area, those applying for electrification of layouts, agricultural and related categories, and underground cables. Additional fees such as application and security deposits will also be applicable as per other notified regulations.
To determine future charges from 2026–27 onwards, distribution companies must submit proposals to the Commission by November 30 of the preceding year. If no proposals are submitted, the charges for 2025–26 will continue until revised.
The amendment also introduces requirements like dedicated transformers for LT consumers with contracted loads above 20 kW, with strict instructions that such transformers cannot supply power to others. New clauses have been added granting the Commission authority to issue directions, resolve implementation difficulties, and amend the regulations as needed.
This draft regulation is expected to reduce delays and improve service reliability for consumers seeking electricity connections up to 150 kW in Andhra Pradesh.
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