The government has approved amendments to the Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules, aiming to reduce the timeline for new electricity connections and simplify the process of setting up rooftop solar installations. These amendments empower consumers living in multi-storied flats and enhance transparency.
The amendments facilitate faster installation of rooftop solar systems, exempting the technical feasibility study for systems up to 10 kW capacity. Additionally, separate connections for electric vehicle charging stations are now allowed. The time period for obtaining a new electricity connection has been reduced, and provisions have been introduced to enhance consumer choice.
Minister R. K. Singh stated, “The interest of consumers is paramount for the government. The present amendments will further empower the consumers.”
The amendments made to the Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules aim to enhance the ease of setting up rooftop solar PV systems and expedite the process of obtaining new electricity connections. The rules now empower consumers living in multi-storied flats to choose their connection type and ensure separate billing for common areas and back-up generators in residential societies, thus enhancing transparency.
The rules also provide for check meters to be installed by distribution companies in case of consumer complaints, to verify electricity consumption and address any discrepancies.
Facilitating easier and faster installation of rooftop solar systems, the amendments exempt the requirement of a technical feasibility study for systems up to a capacity of 10 kW. The timeline for conducting the feasibility study for systems with a capacity higher than 10 kW has been reduced, and distribution system strengthening necessary for rooftop solar PV systems up to 5 kW capacity will be done by the distribution company at its own cost.
Consumers can now obtain separate electricity connections for charging their Electric Vehicles (EVs), aligning with the country’s goal of reducing carbon emissions and reaching Net Zero by the year 2070.
The time period for obtaining a new electricity connection has been reduced in metropolitan areas, other municipal areas, and rural areas, aiming to expedite the process and provide faster access to electricity for consumers.
Provisions have been introduced to enhance consumer choice and promote greater transparency in metering and billing. The amendments also require the installation of an additional meter within five days from the date of receipt of a complaint about meter reading not aligning with actual electricity consumption, ensuring accuracy in billing.
Minister R. K. Singh stated that the present amendments will further empower the consumers, emphasizing the government’s commitment to prioritizing consumer interest. The Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules aim to set standards for services provided by electricity distribution companies all over India, covering aspects such as billing, complaints, and compensation, while also offering support for renewable energy generation by prosumers.
