New Electricity Connection: If consumers wish, they can now get a separate electricity connection to charge their electric vehicles (EV). Also, there will be no need for technical feasibility study for solar systems up to 10 kilowatts.
New Electricity Connection: Now the rules for getting a new electricity connection have been changed in the country. Giving information about this on Friday, the Power Ministry said that new electricity connections will now be available in three days in metropolitan areas, seven days in municipal areas and 15 days in rural areas. According to language news, the rules have also been made easier for solar units installed on rooftops. The Power Ministry said that the government has approved amendments in the Electricity (Consumer Rights) Rules, 2020 related to this.
These rights have been given to these consumers
According to the news, according to the new rule, consumers living in multi-storey flats have also been given the right to choose the type of connection. Separate billing for common areas and back-up generators has been ensured in residential societies which will ensure transparency. The amended rule also provides for inspection of meters installed by distribution companies for verification of electricity consumption in case of complaints from consumers.
Know the provisions for hilly areas
Union Power Minister RK Singh said that the interest of consumers is paramount for the government. Amendments or changes in the rules have been made keeping this in mind. The minister said that the period for getting a new electricity connection has been reduced from seven days to three days in metropolitan areas, from 15 days to seven days in other municipal corporation areas and from 30 days to 15 days in rural areas. But in rural areas of hilly areas, the time period for taking new connections or making amendments in existing connections will remain the same as before, 30 days.
Solar system set up made easy
According to the report, the government has also made the process of setting up solar systems on rooftops very simple and fast under the new rules. The ministry said that technical feasibility study will not be required for solar systems up to 10 kilowatts. For more than this, the study time limit has been reduced from 20 days to 15 days. Also, if the study is not completed within the stipulated time, it will be considered approved.
Provision for separate connection for EV charging
The ministry said that electric vehicles have been kept in mind in the new provisions. If consumers wish, they can now get a separate electricity connection to charge their electric vehicles (EV). People living in co-operative housing societies, multi-storey buildings, residential colonies etc. will now have the option to choose from the distribution licensee either individual connections for all or single-point connection for the entire complex.
Also, if there is a complaint that the meter reading is not in accordance with the actual electricity consumption, the distribution licensee will now have to install an additional meter within five days from the date of receipt of the complaint. This additional meter will be used to verify the readings.
