New Electricity Rules

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Union Power Minister, RK Singh on Monday, 21st December announced new power reforms for the consumer that is going to empower them.

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• Under the right to electricity consumers, penalty would be charged for power distribution utilities (discoms) for not maintaining mandated standards of services under the Electricity (Rights of consumers) Rules.
• To get power connection online facility should be initiated connection is to be provided in fixed time.
• In case of any complain, penalty would be charged and proper and immediate steps should be taken to redress the grievance of the consumer.
• Penalty will also be charged in case of below standard power supply.
• The discoms would have to provide or modify an electricity connection within a maximum time period of seven days in metro cities, 15 days in other cities and 30 days in rural areas.
• Every connection will be provided only with meter, that can be smart pre-payment meter or simple pre-payment meter.
• The rules also mention for transparency in applicable consumer tariff and bills.
• Online facility of paying bills and also advance payment of bills is also talked of in the new rules.
• 24x7 power supply to all consumers that may vary for few consumers like agriculture.
• A new category of Prosumer is talked in the new rules where a consumer will also produce electricity. This can be generated through renewable energy (RE) generation unit including roof top solar photovoltaic systems either by themselves or through any service provider.
• Net metering for load upto 10 Kw and gross metering for load above 10 Kw is allowed.
• In case of violation of standards of performance Discoms will pay the compensation to the consumers. Automated compensation will be paid that can be monitored remotely.
• A 24x7 toll free call centre will be set up by the Discoms.
• A specified time of 45 days has been allotted for grievance redressal.
• Door-step service would be provided to the senior citizens.
• Consumer would be informed about the scheduled and unscheduled power outages through SMS or any electronic mode along with the time of restoration.
• The Consumer Grievance Redressal Forum will include consumer and prosumer representatives.
• The Central government had approved a plan of 2.2 lakh crore under Deendayal Vidyut Yojana and Saubhagya scheme to improve the power system of the nation.
• 60% share is given by the central government and only 10% load is given to the state government rest 30% is given as a loan. This has strengthened the power distribution system in the state.