BERC Approves Uniform SOP For Service Cable Replacement During Smart Meter Installation In Bihar

The Bihar Electricity Regulatory Commission (BERC) has approved a joint Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) submitted by South Bihar Power Distribution Company Ltd (SBPDCL) and North Bihar Power Distribution Company Ltd (NBPDCL) for replacing service cables during smart prepayment meter installations. The order was issued on August 20, 2026, in Case No. 35/2025.

The decision aims to create a uniform process for assessing whether an existing service cable needs replacement when a smart prepaid meter is installed. BERC clarified that replacing a conventional meter with a smart prepaid meter does not automatically require replacement of the service cable.

The issue was first addressed in BERC’s December 29, 2025, order. The Commission had rejected the discoms’ proposal to allow field officers to decide cable replacement independently. It noted that such an approach could result in inconsistent technical assessments, conflicting decisions and resistance from consumers.

BERC subsequently directed SBPDCL and NBPDCL to jointly prepare an SOP specifying technical requirements, inspection procedures and administrative approvals for service cable replacement. The discoms submitted the proposed SOP to the Commission on April 13, 2026.

The matter was considered by a BERC bench comprising Chairman Amir Subhani, Member (Legal) P.S. Yadav and Member (Technical) Manoj Kumar, with representatives of both distribution companies present.

After examining the SOP, BERC found that it provides a structured process covering technical inspection, recommendation, approval, cable replacement and periodic monitoring. The procedure also includes provisions for informing consumers about the need for replacement and any applicable charges.

To strengthen accountability, the Commission has made it mandatory that recommendations for service cable replacement recorded in the Service Cable Inspection Form under Annexure-1 of the SOP must be prepared and signed by a field officer holding at least the rank of Junior Electrical Engineer (JEE).

With this condition, BERC approved the SOP and disposed of the case. The decision establishes a standardized framework for service cable replacement during smart meter installations and is expected to improve technical oversight, administrative consistency and transparency in Bihar’s ongoing smart metering rollout.