The Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission (GERC) has granted GIFT Power Company Limited (GIFTPCL) a case-specific relaxation to install consumer electricity meters in the first basement of high-rise buildings within its licensed supply area. The order was issued on September 21, 2026, by a Commission bench comprising Chairman and Members.
GIFTPCL, a wholly owned subsidiary of Gujarat International Finance Tec-City Company Limited (GIFTCL), filed Petition No. 2625 of 2026 under Section 50 of the Electricity Act, 2003, along with relevant provisions of the GERC (Electricity Supply Code and Related Matters) Regulations, 2015.
The distribution licensee operates in GIFT City, a greenfield development with integrated underground utility infrastructure. Electricity, water, district cooling and automated waste collection systems are connected to buildings through underground utility tunnels.
GIFTPCL explained that most buildings in GIFT City are high-rise commercial and residential structures with three to four basement levels. Individual towers can accommodate between 150 and 250 consumers. Ground-floor areas are largely occupied by building entrances and security facilities, creating space and technical constraints for installing individual electricity meters.
The company also noted that internal electrical infrastructure, including 33 kV/0.415 kV dry-type transformers, high-tension panels and low-tension distribution systems, is already located in the first basement of many buildings.
The issue was considered by the Electricity Supply Code Review Panel on November 10, 2025. The panel did not recommend a state-wide amendment to Clause 6.10, which generally requires meters in multi-storeyed buildings to be installed on the ground floor or on rising mains. However, considering the specific design and infrastructure of GIFT City, GIFTPCL was advised to approach GERC for a case-specific relaxation.
GIFTPCL also informed the Commission that similar provisions permitting basement metering under specified conditions exist in states including Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka.
Following a daily order dated May 30, 2026, the company published public notices in The Times of India, Divya Bhaskar and Sandesh on June 4, 2026, seeking stakeholder comments. No objections or comments were received.
GERC exercised its powers under Clauses 9.21 to 9.25 to relax the applicable provisions and permit basement metering in GIFTPCL’s licensed area. The Commission, however, imposed several safety requirements.
Meters must be installed in a dedicated fireproof and weatherproof electrical room in the first basement. The room must have RCC roofing, adequate headroom, suitable cable ducts, proper ventilation and exhaust arrangements, locking facilities and protection against water logging.
GERC clarified that the relaxation is limited to GIFTPCL’s licensed area because of the area’s specific architectural and underground utility infrastructure. The order does not establish a general precedent for other distribution licensees in Gujarat.
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