GERC Approves Special Power Billing Framework For GIFT City High-Rise Consumers In Gujarat

The Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission (GERC) has approved modified billing and metering arrangements for High Tension (HTP-I) consumers living in high-rise buildings within the GIFT City supply area. The decision was issued in response to Petition No. 1875/2020 filed by GIFT Power Company Limited (GIFTPCL), the exclusive electricity distribution licensee for Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City).

GIFTPCL, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Gujarat International Finance Tec-City Company Limited (GIFTCL), approached GERC seeking approval for a special arrangement to address the technical challenges of supplying electricity to consumers in high-rise buildings. GIFT City’s unique vertical development model includes large commercial and residential towers where conventional HT supply arrangements are difficult to implement.

Under the existing GERC Supply Code Regulations, consumers with a contracted load above 100 kW are generally required to receive electricity supply at HT voltage levels of 11 kV or 22 kV. This arrangement requires individual transformers, switchgear, and dedicated infrastructure within consumer premises. However, in high-rise buildings with multiple occupants and mixed consumer categories, installing separate HT transformers for every consumer is not practical due to limited space availability and higher costs.

To overcome these challenges, building developers in GIFT City have installed common 33/0.415 kV dry-type transformers in basement areas. Electricity is then distributed vertically through sandwich-type bus duct trunking systems to different floors, where individual consumer meters are installed. Although the physical supply is provided at Low Tension (LT) levels, GIFTPCL proposed that these consumers continue to be billed under the applicable HTP-I tariff category.

For adjusting technical losses arising from transformation and distribution, GIFTPCL submitted three possible mechanisms before the Commission. These included applying a 2% demand loading along with calculated iron and copper losses, introducing a separate voltage surcharge, or continuing the existing loss adjustment practice.

The proposal received objections from consumer representatives, including the Utility Users’ Welfare Association. The objectors argued that supplying LT electricity to HT consumers was inconsistent with supply regulations, Central Electricity Authority (CEA) safety requirements, and established points of supply norms. Concerns were also raised regarding safety risks associated with basement substations, including fire hazards and possible flooding during heavy rainfall.

GIFTPCL informed the Commission that all basement substations use dry-type air-cooled transformers and comply with Gujarat Fire Prevention and Life Safety Regulations and CEA safety standards. The company also confirmed that internal electrical networks are inspected and approved by the Chief Electrical Inspector before commissioning. It further stated that basement facilities are designed with adequate drainage systems and that consumer meters are safely installed on individual floors.

GERC observed that the petition was not related to tariff revision or creation of a new consumer category but was aimed at resolving specific technical challenges arising from GIFT City’s high-rise infrastructure. The Commission noted that Clause 3.3 of the Supply Code allows it to permit deviations from standard voltage supply arrangements under special technical circumstances.

The approval allows GIFTPCL to continue the modified supply and billing mechanism for eligible HTP-I consumers in multi-storeyed buildings equipped with bus duct trunking systems, ensuring operational feasibility while maintaining regulatory compliance.