Section 10 in Jharkhand State Electricity Regulatory Commission (Electricity Supply Code) Regulations, 2015
10. Billing.
- 10.1 General10.1.1The Distribution Licensee shall intimate the consumer, at the beginning of the financial year, of the following:(a)Periodicity of billing for his service (monthly or bimonthly);(b)Period in the calendar month when his meter will be read;(c)Address of the billing office and collection centre;(d)Probable week in which bill shall be issued by the Distribution Licensee in every billing cycle;(e)Probable due dates for payment of bill; and(f)Rebates applicable to consumers, if any:Provided that the due date for bill payment through cheques shall be 3 days in advance of the normal due date for bill payment, and the due date for bill payment through online bank transfer/credit card shall be 1 day in advance of the normal due date for bill payment.10.1.2The Distribution Licensee shall also intimate the consumer of bill dispatch through SMS and/or email, if the consumer has furnished requisite details. The billing details of last six bills (including the latest bill) for all consumers shall also be made available on the Distribution Licensee's website along with payment receipt details.10.1.3The Distribution Licensee shall arrange to get the name of the bill distributor rubber-stamped and the bill distributor shall write down the delivery date of the bill on the body of the bill before it is handed over to the consumer or left on consumer premises. The Distribution Licensee may give an option of Spot Billing to domestic and commercial consumers in a notified distribution area.10.1.4Bills shall be issued at periodicity of not more than 2 months in respect of meter reading based billing of domestic, commercial, agricultural services and other category of services.10.1.5The due date for payment for the L.T Domestic, Commercial and Agricultural consumers shall be minimum 15 days after the issue date of the bill and in case of all other categories of consumers, minimum 21 days after the issue date. The Distribution Licensee shall ensure distribution of bill within 5 days of the issuance of bill. The Distribution Licensee shall obtain acknowledgement of the receipt of bill by the consumer. The bill will be delivered to the consumer immediately in case of spot billing under acknowledgment by the consumer.10.1.6If a consumer does not receive the bill within 5 days of the bill issue date, he may obtain a duplicate bill from the concerned billing office of the Distribution Licensee. The Distribution Licensee shall issue a duplicate bill within 3 days of receipt of application. Non-receipt of the bill shall not entitle the consumer to delay payment beyond the due date.10.1.7The Distribution Licensee shall issue the first bill within two billing cycles of energising a new connection. In case the consumer does not receive the first bill within two billing cycles from the date of energisation of the connection, he shall complain, in writing, to the Distribution Licensee's office and the Distribution Licensee shall issue the bill within the next 14 days.Procedure for Billing under Special Circumstances10.2Billing when Meter Not Accessible. - 10.2.1 In all cases not covered by the Spot Billing system, if for any reason the meter is not accessible and hence has not been read during any billing period the Distribution Licensee shall send the provisional bill on the basis of consumption of the previous three billing cycles in which the meter reading was taken. No such bill on average basis due to non-availability of reading shall be issued for more than two consecutive billing cycles, and more than two provisional bills shall not be generated for a consumer during one financial year. The provisional bills shall be adjusted on the basis of the subsequent actual meter reading.10.2.2If the meter remains inaccessible for reading for two consecutive billing cycles, the Distribution Licensee shall serve 7 days notice to the consumer to make meter accessible on the days stipulated in the notice. If the consumer fails to keep the meter accessible on the days stipulated in the notice, the same shall be treated as refusal of entry under provision of sub section (3) of Section 163 of the Act and service line of the consumer may be disconnected under provisions of this section.10.2.3Without prejudice to the provisions of the Act, nothing in clause 10.2.2 of these Regulations shall apply where consumer has provided prior information to the Distribution Licensee, with cogent reasons for temporary inaccessibility to the meter and has agreed to make payment on the basis of consumption estimated by the Distribution Licensee.10.3Billing in the event of Defective/stuck/stopped/burnt meters. - 10.3.1 Subject to the provisions of Part XII and Part XIV of the Electricity Act, 2003 in case of a defective meter not recording accurately (slow or fast) the bill of the consumer shall be adjusted on the basis of the test report of the meter for the period of the meter was defective subject to a maximum period of three months prior to the date on which the defect was detected.Provided that before testing the meter licensee shall give 7 days notice to the consumer to be present during testing of meter intimating date, time and place of testing and if the consumer or his representative is present the testing shall be done in his presence and he will sign the report as a token of witness.Provided further that in case the meter is defective or burnt or stuck and has stopped recording, the consumer shall be billed on the basis of the average consumption of the last three months immediately preceding the month in which meter was last read (including that month) for the period for which meter was stopped recording subject to maximum period of 3 months.Provided that in case of tampering the assessment shall be carried out as per provisions of Section 126 or Section 135 of the Act, depending on the circumstance of each case.10.3.2In case, the Maximum Demand Indicator (MDI) of the meter at the consumer's installation is found to be faulty or not recording at all (unless tampered), the demand charges shall be calculated based on maximum demand during corresponding months/billing cycle of previous year, when the meter was functional and recording correctly. In case, the recorded MDI of corresponding month/billing cycle of past year is also not available, the average maximum demand as available for lesser period shall be considered.10.3.3In case of meters reported as lost, electricity charges for the period for which the meter was not available shall be assessed as below:(a)As per clause 11.51 of these Regulations, if it is established in the Distribution Licensee's enquiry that the loss of meter was due to a deliberate act of the consumer and/or with his connivance(b)As per clauses 10.3.1 and 10.3.2 of these Regulations, in other cases.10.4Change of Occupancy/ Vacancy of Premises. - 10.4.1 For the reason of change of occupancy or otherwise if the premises is to be unoccupied for long period the consumer or occupier of the premises may seek final bill for payment of the charges till the date of occupancy and temporary disconnection thereafter. In such cases consumer or the occupier of the premises shall inform in writing to the billing officer of the Distribution Licensee at least 30 days before the date of vacation to take final reading and issue final bills for payment.10.4.2The Distribution Licensee shall arrange to take final reading at least 15 days before vacation of the premises and issue final bill at least 7 days before vacancy date including the charge for the period from final reading (15 days) to vacancy date on prorata basis along with arrears if any, and disconnection charges. The consumer or occupier of the premises shall pay the final bills before the date of vacancy and the Distribution Licensee shall disconnect the service connection on the date next to vacancy date.10.4.3The line may be reconnected only after written request for the same after payment of reconnection charges along with fixed charges/minimum monthly charges if any for the period from date of disconnection to the date of reconnection. After payment of final bills the Distribution Licensee shall not have right to recover any charges for any period prior to the date of disconnection or date of vacancy.10.5Payment on Self Assessment by the Consumer. - 10.5.1 In case of non-receipt of bill the consumer may deposit self-assessed bill in the format prescribed in Annexure 12 to these Regulations for the period for which bill has not been received, provided that it is not less than the average consumption during the billing cycle over the last six months. The excess/deficient payment so made by the consumer shall be adjusted in the next bill.10.5.2In case of dispute regarding levy of surcharges, the Distribution Licensee shall settle the dispute within one billing cycle from the date of protest by the consumer after giving him an opportunity for reply and a personal hearing.10.6Advance Payment of Bills. - 10.6.1 In case a consumer's premises remains vacant for some duration and he intends to make advance lump sum payments from which the billed amount may be deducted periodically, he can apply to the Distribution Licensee in the format prescribed at Annexure 13 to these Regulations.10.6.2In such cases the consumer shall deposit an amount that covers the fixed charges for the duration of the proposed absence. Such provisional payment shall be adjusted when subsequent bill is issued on the basis of actual meter reading.10.6.3Bills of the consumers opting for this arrangement shall show the amount deposited by the consumer, amount adjusted against the electricity dues after each billing cycle and the balance left. On the amount remaining outstanding from such advance deposits, interest shall be paid at the State Bank of India's prevailing interest rate for Savings Bank account. This interest computation will be done quarterly.10.7Billing in case of Disputed Bills. - 10.7.1 The Distribution Licensee shall acknowledge the consumer's billing complaint on the spot, if received in person or by e-mail and within 1 day, if received by post, stating therein clearly the serial no. and date of complaint. The Distribution Licensee shall also give a complaint number for reference.10.7.2If no additional information is required from the consumer, the Distribution Licensee shall resolve the consumer's complaint and dispatch the result to the consumer within 2 days of receipt of the complaint. In case, any additional information is required, the same shall be obtained, the issue resolved and result despatched to the consumer within 7 days of receipt of the complaint. However, if the consumer does not provide information on time, the Distribution Licensee shall not be held liable for the consequent delay. Till the complaint on the bill is resolved, the consumer shall pay the amount equal to the sum claimed from him or based on average consumption of last three consecutive undisputed bills, whichever is less. Amount so recovered shall be subject to final adjustment on resolution of the complaint.10.7.3If the complaint is found to be correct by the Distribution Licensee, a revised bill shall be issued within 5 working days of despatch of intimation of the same to the consumer. The consumer shall make the payment within 15 days from receipt of the revised bill. The consumer shall not be charged any late payment surcharge if the payment is made by the revised due date.10.7.4If the consumer has paid any excess amount, it shall be refunded to the consumer within 15 days or, if consumer opts, be adjusted within two subsequent bills. The Distribution Licensee shall pay to the consumer interest charges at the rate equivalent to the delay payment surcharge as per tariff on the excess amount outstanding on account of such wrong billing from the date of payment till the date of refund or adjustment in subsequent bills.10.7.5If the complaint was found to be incorrect the consumer shall be notified and directed to make the payment as per the original bill immediately and the consumer shall be liable to pay late payment surcharge if the payment is made after the due date of the original bill.10.8Billing in case of Excess Load. - 10.8.1 In cases where MDI is installed the assessment for billing shall be made as per the provisions of the Tariff order. In cases where no MDI is installed, the excess load shall be billed as per the formula given in Annexure 19 but at two times fixed charge/demand charge applicable in the tariff order. The 'L' in the formula shall be computed as per below:(a)In domestic category, 50% of the difference between the actual connected load and two times the contracted load;(b)In commercial category, 75% of the difference between the actual load and 1.33 times the contracted load; and(c)In other cases difference between the connected load and the contracted load.10.9Information to be included in the bill. - 10.9.1 The following information shall be included in the bill:(1)Address and telephone number of the billing office / distribution centre;(2)Service Connection Number;(3)Bill Number and Period of Bill;(4)Consumer Number, Name and Address;(5)Pole Number from which connection is served / Name of sub-division or centre;(6)Date of issue of Bill;(7)Tariff category of consumer (i.e. domestic/ commercial etc.);(8)Tariff, rate of electricity duty and cess applicable;(9)Status of meter (OK/defective/not available);(10)Billing Status (Regular/ Assessed/ Provisional Bill with reason)(11)Supply details:a. Type of supply (i.e. single phase, three-phase LT or HT)b. Contracted load/ Connected load(12)Meter number and identification details of meter (in case the meter was replaced during the billing period, the bill must indicate the meter numbers of new as well as old meter, date of replacement, final reading of old meter and initial reading of new meter at the time of replacement of meter)(13)Initial meter reading with date;(14)Final meter reading with date;(15)Multiplying Factor of the meter if any;(16)Units consumed;(17)Maximum demand;(18)Due date of payment (separately specified for payment by cash, cheque, ECS, NEFT, Credit/Debit Card, etc. if necessary);(19)Billing details: Item-wise details for the current month as well as past arrears shall be furnished in the bill. A representative list is given below:i. Energy Chargesii. Fixed Chargesiii. Meter rent, if anyiv. Capacitor surchargesv. Other Charges, if anyvi. Electricity Dutyvii. Fuel Cost adjustment chargesviii. Power factor adjustment charges, if anyix. Reactive Energy Charges, if anyx. Time of Use charges, if anyxi. Surcharge for delay, if anyxii. Interest on instalments duexiii. Total current month demandxiv. Arrears (with details)xv. Details of Subsidy, if any, under Section 65 of the Actxvi. Others (with details)xvii. Total amount duexviii. Adjustmentxix. Net amount to be paid(20)Modes of payment accepted;(21)In case of cheques and bank drafts, the receiving authority in whose favour the amount should be drawn;(22)Security Deposit held and required;(23)Interest on security deposit earned till date;(24)Details of last six readings.10.9.2The following information shall be provided on the reverse of the bill or stamped on the bill or be sent in an annexure accompanying the bill at least twice a year:(a)Address(es) of collection centre(s) and working hours for collection of bill payments, including the date and time of presence of the mobile van, if any, at different venues for collection of bill payments;(b)Designation and address of the authority with whom grievance/complaints pertaining to bills can be lodged;(c)Complete address(es) with telephone number(s) of the complaint centers, if any;(d)Addresses and telephone numbers of the relevant Grievance Redressal Officers including Central Grievance Redressal Officers as well as the Ombudsman constituted under Section 42 sub-clause 6 of the Act;(e)Tariff Schedule applicable to the consumer; and(f)Advertisements, if any.10.9.3The bill may contain additional information, if any, as desired by the Distribution Licensee.10.10Payment of Electricity Bill. - 10.10.1 Consumer may pay the bill by Cash (up to Rs 10,000), Cheque, Demand Draft, Money Order or Electronic Transfer. Cheques and demand drafts shall be payable at any branch of a scheduled commercial bank that is a member of the clearing house for the area where the concerned Sub Divisional Office is located. The date of payment by cheque shall be deemed to be the date on which the cheque is received or date of cheque whichever is later in the Distribution Licensee's office, provided that the cheque is not dishonoured.10.10.2The payment may be made:(a)In person at the designated collection offices of the Distribution Licensee during specified times; or(b)By post or courier; or(c)By deposit in the drop-boxes maintained by the Distribution Licensee at designated locations; or(d)By bank transfer through the internet; or(e)By any other scheme notified by the Distribution Licensee for acceptance of bill payment.10.10.3The Distribution Licensee shall establish sufficient number of collection centres at suitable locations with necessary facilities where consumer can deposit the bill amount with ease and without undue congestion. Wherever necessary a separate collection centres should be provided for senior citizens, physically challenged person and women.10.10.4All consumers shall pay the bills/charges for supply of electricity by due date failing which the Distribution Licensee may disconnect the electricity service subject to the provisions of these Regulations. The Distribution Licensee may issue a disconnection notice in writing, as per Section 56 of the Act, to any consumer who defaults on his payment of dues, after giving him a notice period of 15 clear days to pay the dues.10.10.5In case a cheque is dishonoured, the Distribution Licensee shall inform the consumer and require him to pay the bill within 7 days in cash. The consumer shall be liable to pay the late payment surcharge, as applicable, as well as a charge on account of the dishonour of the cheque/non realization of the draft. If there are two instances of dishonour of cheques/draft of a consumer in a financial year, the consumer shall be required to make all payments in cash till the end of the following financial year. In addition the Distribution Licensee may initiate action against the consumer under Sections 138 and 142 of The Negotiable Instruments Act.10.10.6In addition to the mode of payments specified in clause 10.10.1 of these Regulations, the Distribution Licensee may notify schemes for acceptance of bill payment through Electronic Clearing System or at designated counters of a bank or through credit/debit cards or through any other means in a specified area and/or for a specified category of consumers, after due notice is given to consumers. However, any change in the mode of payment shall be more consumer friendly than the prevailing system.10.10.7Where the due date indicated for payment on the bill falls on a Sunday or a public holiday, the payment shall be due on the next working day.10.11Receipt of bill payment. - 10.11.1 Receipt shall be given to the consumer for payment of bills made in person. In all cases, payments shall be acknowledged in the next bill.10.11.2Bank certificate that money is transferred to licensee's account is sufficient proof of payment. In case payment of by credit card, the statement of account of the said credit card may be accepted as proof of payment.10.12Utilization of the Amount Received. - 10.12.1 All payments made by the consumer will be adjusted in the following order of priority:(a)Late payment surcharge;(b)Arrears of electricity charges and corresponding arrears of electricity duty/ tax;(c)Current electricity charges and corresponding current electricity duty/tax;(d)Miscellaneous charges.10.13Late Payment Surcharge. - 10.13.1 In case the consumers do not pay the bill by the due date mentioned in the bills, delay payment surcharge for delayed payment of bills shall apply as per tariff orders issued from time to time.10.14Instalment Facility. - 10.14.1 The Distribution Licensee may frame a scheme for providing facility of payment of bills in instalments for consumers who are for the time being under financial distress.10.14.2Grant of instalment facility shall not affect the liability of the consumer to pay surcharge for delayed payment as per tariff notifications issued from time to time, till full payment and clearance of arrears.10.14.3The Distribution Licensee shall designate and notify the authorities that may grant instalment facilities for different service category, (HT& EHT).10.15Recovery of Arrears. - 10.15.1 No sum due from any consumer, on account of default in payment shall be recoverable after the period of two years from the date when such sum became first due unless such sum has been shown continuously as recoverable as arrear of charges for electricity supplied.
