In a bid to streamline electricity connection processes and enhance consumer convenience, the government has introduced significant amendments to the Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules, 2020. Effective immediately, these amendments promise reduced waiting times for obtaining new connections, separate electricity options for electric vehicle (EV) owners, and improved transparency in billing and metering.
Under the revised rules, residents in metropolitan areas will now receive electricity connections within just three days, down from the previous seven-day wait. Similarly, the waiting period has been slashed to seven days for other municipal areas and 15 days for rural regions, except for hilly terrains where it remains at 30 days.
One of the notable changes allows consumers to opt for separate power connections specifically designated for charging their electric vehicles. This provision aims to cater to the growing number of EV owners and streamline the process of EV adoption.
Union Minister for Power and New and Renewable Energy, RK Singh, emphasized that these amendments not only expedite the process of obtaining new connections but also simplify procedures for setting up rooftop solar installations. Singh highlighted the empowerment of consumers living in multi-storied buildings, who can now choose between individual connections or a single-point connection for their premises. This choice extends to billing transparency for common areas and backup generators in residential societies.
Moreover, the amendments introduce measures to address consumer complaints regarding meter readings. Distribution licensees are now mandated to install additional meters within five days of receiving complaints to verify electricity consumption accurately. This step aims to reassure consumers and ensure billing accuracy.
Furthermore, the timeline for commissioning Rooftop Solar PV systems has been reduced from 30 days to 15 days. This move is pivotal as the government aims to install rooftop solar in one crore households annually, offering consumers the benefit of 300 units of free electricity each month.
The amendments also waive the requirement of a technical feasibility study for systems up to 10 kW capacity. For larger systems, the timeline for completing feasibility studies has been shortened to 15 days. In cases where studies are not completed within the stipulated time, approval will be deemed granted.
Additionally, distribution companies are now responsible for strengthening the distribution system necessary for rooftop solar PV systems up to 5 kW capacity, at their own cost.
In terms of consumer rights, residents in co-operative group housing societies, multi-storied buildings, and residential colonies now have the choice between individual connections and a single-point connection for the entire premises. This decision will be made transparently through a ballot conducted by the distribution company, ensuring fairness for all consumers. Metering, billing, and collection will be conducted separately for individual and common area consumption, ensuring clarity in billing practices.
Overall, these amendments represent a significant step towards enhancing efficiency, consumer empowerment, and sustainability in the electricity sector, aligning with the government’s broader renewable energy and consumer-centric initiatives.
