Section 7 in Jharkhand State Electricity Regulatory Commission (Electricity Supply Code) Regulations, 2015
7. Procedure for Modification in Existing Connections.
- 7.1 The applicant shall apply for change in existing connection in the following format as given in the Annexure to these Regulations:(a)application format for change in name of registered consumer due to change in ownership/occupancy - Annexure 4;(b)application format for transfer of ownership to legal heir - Annexure 5;(c)application format for Conversion of Services / Change of Consumer Category / Shifting of Premises - Annexure 6;(d)application format for load enhancement/reduction - Annexure 7.7.2Application forms in Hindi and English shall be made available at each office of the Distribution Licensee where such applications are accepted: Provided that the Distribution Licensee shall also make available an electronic media version of such application form on the internet website of the Distribution Licensee for free download:7.3The application form shall be accepted at the concerned office of the Distribution Licensee. The Distribution Licensee shall clearly display on its website and at its local offices the address and telephone numbers of all offices where filled-up application forms are accepted. Any assistance or information required by the applicant while filling up the application form shall be provided at the local office of the Distribution Licensee.7.4The Distribution Licensee may also provide new avenues for applying for new connection or modification in existing connection through internet, call centres, etc. which minimise the applicant's interface with the utility during the process.7.5All application forms for change in existing connection must be accompanied with an identity proof of the applicant in accordance with clause 5.5.7 of these Regulations, if the connection is registered in the name of the applicant; or a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the person in whose name the connection is registered, if the connection is not registered in the name of the applicant.7.6The Distribution Licensee shall verify the application form along with enclosed documents and if found incomplete, shall issue a written note on the spot, specifying shortcomings in the application form. If the application form is complete, the Distribution Licensee shall acknowledge its receipt on the spot.7.7The Distribution Licensee shall maintain a permanent record of all application forms received in an Application Register/Database. Each application form shall be allotted a permanent application number (for identification) serially in the order in which it was received. Separate registers/databases for different category of consumers may be maintained by the Distribution Licensee. The Distribution Licensee shall keep the registers/databases updated with stage-wise status of disposal of each application form. Unless the Act or the Rules and Regulations framed thereunder or any other law for the time being in force requires otherwise, the Distribution Licensee shall deal with application forms in each tariff category on the broad principle of "first come, first served" basis as per serial priority in the Application Register/Database.7.8An application form referred in clause 7.6 shall be deemed to be received on the date of receipt of consumer's requisition of supply in the prescribed format of the application form, complete in all respects and attached with all relevant documents.7.9The application for modification in existing connection shall be accompanied by such charges as are required under the approved schedule of charges of the Distribution Licensee.7.10Where the Distribution Licensee disallows or refuses to carry out the modification in existing connection, it shall do so after providing the consumer concerned a reasonable opportunity of being heard in the matter:Provided further that the Distribution Licensee shall communicate the reasons for such refusal in writing to the consumer.7.11The Distribution Licensee shall process application forms for change in existing connections as detailed further in this section.7.12Transfer of Connection (Change of name). - 7.12.1 The consumer shall not without prior consent in writing of the Distribution Licensee assign, transfer or part with the benefit of the Agreement executed with the Distribution Licensee nor shall part with or create any partial or separate interest thereunder in any manner.7.12.2Subject to clause 7.12.1, a connection may be transferred in the name of another person upon death of the consumer or in case of transfer of the ownership or occupancy of the premises, upon filing an application form in the prescribed format given in either Annexure 4 or 5 (as applicable) for change of name by the new owner or occupier: Provided that such change of name shall not entitle the applicant to require shifting of the connection from the present location.7.12.3The Distribution Licensee shall deal with applications relating to change of consumer's name due to change in ownership/occupancy of property in accordance with the procedure detailed below:(a)The applicant shall apply for change of consumer's name in the format prescribed in Annexure 4 to these Regulations, along with a copy of the latest bill duly paid. The request for transfer of connection shall not be accepted unless all dues recoverable against the concerned connection are settled. The application form shall be accepted on showing proof of ownership/occupancy of property. A No Objection Certificate from the registered consumer/ authorised person/ previous occupant of the premises shall be required for cases involving transfer of security deposit in the name of applicant. The Distribution Licensee shall process the application form in accordance with clauses 7.6 to 7.11 of these Regulations;(b)In case the No Objection Certificate from the registered consumer/ authorised person/ previous occupant is not submitted, an application form for change of name shall be entertained only if security deposit as stipulated in these Regulations is paid afresh. However, the original security deposit shall be refunded to the claimant as and when a claim is preferred by the concerned person;(c)Change of consumer's name shall be effected within thirty (30) days from receipt of complete application along with payment of necessary charges, if any.7.12.4The Distribution Licensee shall deal with applications relating to transfer of consumer's name to legal heir in accordance with the procedure detailed below:(a)The applicant shall apply for change of consumer's name in the format prescribed in Annexure 5 to these Regulations, along with a copy of the latest bill duly paid. The application form shall be accepted on showing the Registered Will/deed, Succession/Legal heir Certificate, Mutation in municipal/land records or any other proof of legal heirship. The Distribution Licensee shall process the application form in accordance with clauses 7.6 to 7.11 of these Regulations;(b)Change of consumer's name shall be effected within thirty (30) days from receipt of complete application along with payment of necessary charges, if any;(c)Any charge for electricity or any sum other than charge for electricity as due and payable to licensee which remains unpaid by a deceased consumer or the erstwhile owner/occupier of any land/premises as the case may be, shall be a charge on the premise transmitted to the legal representative/ successors-in-law or transferred to the new owner of the premise as the case may be, and same shall be recoverable by the Distribution Licensee as due from such legal representative or successor-in-law or new owner/occupier of the premises as the case may be.7.13Conversion of Services. - 7.13.1 The applicant shall apply for conversion of the nature of his existing connection from single phase to three phase & vice-versa or from low voltage to high voltage & vice versa, in the format given in Annexure 6 to these Regulations.7.13.2The Distribution Licensee shall process the application form in accordance with clauses 7.6 to 7.10 of these Regulations. For site inspection and issuance & payment of demand note for the estimated cost of works, both the Distribution Licensee and applicant shall follow the procedure as laid down in clauses 6.6 - 6.17 and 6.19 -6.25 of these Regulations: Provided that licensee shall examine the technical feasibility upon receipt of such application and inform the consumer the feasibility/charge within seven (7) days of receipt of application.7.13.3After payment of requisite charges by the applicant, the Distribution Licensee shall give effect to applications for conversion of existing services from single phase to three phase or viceversa, within thirty (30) days from receipt of application along with payment of necessary charges, if any, and completion of work.7.13.4After payment of requisite charges by the applicant, the Distribution Licensee shall give effect to applications for conversion of existing services from Low Tension to High Tension or viceversa, within thirty (30) days from receipt of application along with payment of necessary charges, if any, and completion of work.7.13.5The Distribution Licensee shall, within the time limit specified for conversion in services, seek the Commission's approval for extension of time limit whenever the above schedule cannot be met.7.14Shifting of Meter / Existing Connection. - 7.14.1 The applicant shall apply for shifting the meter in existing premises or for shifting of existing service connection in the format prescribed in Annexure 6 to these Regulations. The Distribution Licensee shall process the application form in accordance with clauses 7.6 to 7.11 of these Regulations. For site inspection and issuance & payment of demand note for the estimated cost of works, both the Distribution Licensee and applicant shall follow the procedure as laid down in clauses 6.6 - 6.17 and 6.19- 6.25 of these Regulations.7.14.2Wherever the consumer requests for shifting the meter in the existing premises or for shifting of the existing service connection, licensee shall inspect, examine the technical feasibility upon receipt of application and inform the estimated cost to the consumer within seven (7) days in Class-I cities, within ten (10) days in Urban areas and fifteen (15) days in Rural areas after of receipt of application.7.14.3The Distribution Licensee shall complete the shifting of meter / service line within seven (7) days after payment of necessary charges and receiving necessary clearances, if required.7.14.4Any excess/deficient payment made by the consumer shall be adjusted in the subsequent two bills.7.15Reclassification of Consumer Category. - 7.15.1 If it is found that a consumer has been wrongly classified in a particular category, or the purpose of supply as mentioned in Agreement has changed, or the consumption of power/ connected load has exceeded the limit of that category as per the Commission's order, the Distribution Licensee may consider reclassifying the consumer under appropriate category:Provided that the Distribution Licensee shall not create any tariff category other than those approved by the Commission.7.15.2The consumer shall be informed of the proposed reclassification through a notice and duly given a thirty (30) day notice period to file objections, if any. The Distribution Licensee after due consideration of the consumer's reply, if any, may alter the classification. In case of any dispute, the matter shall be referred to the Consumer Grievance Redressal Forum.7.15.3If a consumer wishes to change his consumer category, he shall submit an application form to the Distribution Licensee in the format given in Annexure 6 to these Regulations. The Distribution Licensee shall process the application form in accordance with clauses 7.6 to 7.11 of these Regulations. For site inspection and issuance & payment of demand note for the estimated cost of works, both the Distribution Licensee and applicant shall follow the procedure and timelines as laid down in clauses 6.6 - 6.17 and 6.19 - 6.25 of these Regulations. The Distribution Licensee shall also note down the meter reading at the time of inspection.7.15.4If on inspection the consumer's request for reclassification is found valid, change of category for use of supply in reference of Tariff schedule shall be effected within thirty (30) days of payment of charges, if any, and completion of formalities.7.15.5If the Distribution Licensee does not find the request for reclassification valid, it shall inform the applicant in writing, specifying reason(s) for the same, within ten (10) days from date of inspection.7.15.6For the period in which the consumer's application for reclassification is pending, the consumer shall not be liable for any action on grounds of unauthorised use of electricity.7.16Load Enhancement. - 7.16.1 Applicants shall apply for load enhancement to the Distribution Licensee in the format prescribed in Annexure 7 to these Regulations. The Distribution Licensee shall process the application form in accordance with clauses 7.6 to 7.11 of these Regulations. For site inspection and issuance & payment of demand note for the estimated cost of works, both the Distribution Licensee and applicant shall follow the procedure and timelines as laid down in clauses 6.6 - 6.17 and 6.19 - 6.25 of these Regulations.7.16.2The Distribution Licensee's written intimation sent along with the demand note to the consumer shall cover the following:(a)whether the additional power can be supplied at existing voltage or at a higher voltage;(b)addition or alterations, if any, required to be made to the system and the cost to be borne by the consumer;(c)amount of additional security deposit, cost of additional infrastructure and the system strengthening charges or capacity building charges, if any, to be deposited; and(d)change in classification of the consumer and applicability of tariff, if required.7.16.3The application form for enhancement of load shall not be accepted if the consumer is in arrears of payment of the Distribution Licensee's dues. However, the application form may be accepted if such payment of arrear has been stayed by a Court of law, or the Commission or an authority appointed by the Commission.7.16.4If supply of enhanced load is feasible, the consumer shall:(a)pay additional security deposit, cost of addition or alteration required to be made to the system, if any, and system strengthening charges/capacity building charges, if any, within fifteen (15) days of receipt of the demand note; and(b)execute a revised Agreement.7.16.5Supply of enhanced load shall be provided in adherence to the timeline specified in clause 6.26 of these Regulations.7.16.6If the consumer feels aggrieved by the Distribution Licensee's action or omission, the consumer may file his representation to the concerned Consumer Grievance Redressal Forum (CGRF) for redressal of his grievance.7.16.7If the application is not decided by the Distribution Licensee within the timeline as specified in clause 6.26 of these Regulations, the applicant may, by a written notice to the Distribution Licensee, draw its attention to the matter and yet if no decision is communicated to him within a further period of fifteen (15) days, the permission for enhancement of contract demand shall be deemed to have been granted.7.17Load Reduction. - 7.17.1 The applicant shall apply for load reduction to the Distribution Licensee in the format prescribed in Annexure 7 to these Regulations, along with the following documents:(a)details of alteration/modification/removal of electrical installation with work completion certificate and test report from a Licensed Electrical Contractor where alteration of installation is involved;(b)any other reason(s) for reduction of contract demand;(c)Details of generator, if any, installed by the consumer with safety clearance certificate form competent authority as applicable.7.17.2The Distribution Licensee shall process the application form in accordance with clauses 7.6 to 7.11 of these Regulations. For site inspection, both the Distribution Licensee and applicant shall follow the procedure and timelines as laid down in clauses 6.6 to 6.17 of these Regulations.7.17.3The Distribution Licensee shall consider the grounds stated in the application, verify the same during inspection and decide the application within a period of thirty (30) days from inspection by a reasoned speaking order. If the consumer feels aggrieved by the Distribution Licensee's action or omission, the consumer may file his representation to the concerned Consumer Grievance Redressal Forum (CGRF) for redressal of his grievance.7.17.4The Distribution Licensee shall issue a demand note to the consumer in writing, under acknowledgment, in accordance with the timeline specified in clause 6.18, and thereafter both the Distribution Licensee and applicant shall follow the procedure and timelines as laid down in clauses 6.6 - 6.17 and 6.19 - 6.25 of these Regulations.7.17.5If the application is not decided by the Distribution Licensee within the above-mentioned period of 30 days from the date of receipt of request, the applicant may, by a written notice to the Distribution Licensee, draw its attention to the matter. If no decision is communicated to the consumer within a further period of fifteen (15) days, permission for reduction of contract demand shall be deemed to have been granted.7.17.6Upon receipt of a request by a consumer for reduction of contract demand / sanctioned load of such consumer, the Distribution Licensee shall, unless otherwise agreed, so reduce the contract demand / sanctioned load of such consumer within thirty (30) days from the receipt of such a request:Provided that licensee should execute fresh agreement for such revised load within thirty (30) days from the receipt of such request.7.17.7Any difference in security deposit arising out of load reduction shall be adjusted in the subsequent two bills of the consumer.7.18Annual Review of Contract Demand. - 7.18.1 In case of HT and EHT connections, if the maximum demand was recorded to be in excess of contract demand by 5% or more at least four times during the last financial year, the Distribution Licensee shall issue a thirty (30) days notice to the consumer for submitting an application form for enhancement of load. If there is no response from the consumer by the end of the notice period, the Distribution Licensee shall start the procedure for enhancing the consumer's contract demand to the average of four recordings of maximum demand shown by the consumer's MDI meter in the last financial year. In case of LT connections, similar review shall be carried out for connections equipped with an MDI meter.7.18.2The Distribution Licensee and applicant shall follow the procedure and timelines with respect to acceptance of application form, site inspection and issuance & payment of demand note in accordance with clauses 6.6 to 6.17 and 6.19 to 6.25 of these Regulations. Enhanced supply shall be released in accordance with clause 6.26 of these Regulations.7.18.3If the consumer feels aggrieved by the Distribution Licensee's action or omission, the consumer may file his representation to the concerned Consumer Grievance Redressal Forum (CGRF) for redressal of his grievance.
