Section 1 in Jharkhand State Electricity Regulatory Commission (Electricity Supply Code) Regulations, 2015
1. Short Title, Extent and Commencement.
- 1.1 These Regulations may be called the Jharkhand State Electricity Regulatory Commission (Electricity Supply Code) Regulations, 2015.1.2These Regulations detail the obligations of the Distribution Licensee and consumers vis-à-vis each other and specify the set of practices that shall be adopted by the Distribution Licensee to provide efficient, cost-effective and consumer friendly service to the consumers, in particular the following matters:(a)procedure for connection, disconnection, reconnection, assessment of connected load, changes in existing connections (load modifications, change of name, change of tariff category, etc.);(b)practices relating to consumer metering, billing, intervals for billing of electricity charges and payment of bills; and(c)recovery of electricity charges, measures for preventing tampering, distress or damage to electrical plant, or electrical line or meter, entry of Distribution Licensee or any person acting on his behalf for disconnecting supply and removing the meter; entry for replacing, altering or maintaining electric lines or electrical plants or meter and such other matters.1.3All the forms and formats annexed to the Code set out the minimum requirements that shall be met by the Distribution Licensees in their forms and formats made available to consumers. The Distribution Licensee may make suitable amendments in the forms/formats retaining the prescribed minimum level of information and may include anything over and above the minimum after seeking prior approval of the Commission. Such amended forms/formats would be posted on the website of the respective licensees for the consumers' information/use.1.4These Regulations shall be applicable to all Distribution Licensees in their respective licensed areas, in the State of Jharkhand.1.5These Regulations shall come into force after expiry of 3 months from the date of publication in the Jharkhand State Gazette.1.6Electricity Supply Code Review Panel. - 1.6.1 The Commission shall set up an Electricity Supply Code Review Panel (ESCRP). The ESCRP shall perform the following functions and shall meet at least once in a year:(a)To consider views from licensees, consumers and other interested parties about the implementation of the Code;(b)To assess compliance by licensees with Conditions of Supply;(c)To protect consumer interests and ensure/monitor overall performance of licensees;(d)To review the Code due to any operational problems faced by Distribution Licensees or the consumers in implementation of the Code.1.6.2ESCRP shall consist of the following Members:(a)The Chairperson/Member of the Commission shall be Ex-officio Chairperson of ESCRP;(b)One representative of the rank not below Chief Engineer from each Distribution Licensee of the State to be nominated by the Distribution Licensee;(c)One representative of the rank not below Chief Engineer from STU and transmission licensee (optional);(d)Representative of the rank not below Chief Engineer from SLDC (optional);(e)Representatives of the consumers to be nominated by the Commission. Of these, three representatives shall be from LT consumers, two from HT /EHT consumers and one each from registered consumer rural and urban bodies. At least two representatives from the above shall be from the category of the domestic consumers;(f)Secretary of the ESCRP shall be an officer of Commission nominated by Chairman of the ESCRP;(g)And any other member as nominated by the Chairman.Provided that the maximum number of members in the ESCRP will be fifteen;Provided also that if eight members are present, the quorum of the panel shall be considered complete for holding the meeting of the panel.1.7Manner of reviewing the Code. - 1.7.1 Any licensee, consumer or other interested persons desiring any change in these Regulations shall send the proposal in writing to the Secretary of the Panel in one soft copy, accompanied with 4 hard copies specifying the reasons for such change and setting out the attendant circumstances.1.7.2The Secretary of the Panel shall prepare comments and place before the Members prior to the date of meeting.1.7.3The Secretary shall consider the comments of the members during the meeting, and if necessary, may invite and hear the person who had submitted suggestions requiring changes.1.7.4The Panel may, in considering the suggestion and the comments of the members thereon, set up sub committees to study the related issues.1.7.5The Panel shall, after finalizing its views on the modifications to the Code, submit the same to the Commission.1.7.6The Commission may approve the changes with or without modification as it may deem fit and follow the procedure as per Regulation 1.8 for amendment of these Regulations.1.8Amendment in the Code. - 1.8.1 The Commission may amend the Code suo moto or on the recommendations of ESCRP.However, before any amendment is made in the Code, comments on the proposed changes shall be obtained from all the supply licensees and public.1.8.2Any change in the Code shall be placed on the website of the Distribution Licensee and the Commission website, and the extracts of the changes shall be published by the Distribution Licensees in at least two newspapers having wide circulation in their area of supply apart from keeping the copies of changes in all local offices.1.9Repeal and Savings. - 1.9.1 Save as otherwise provided in these Regulations, the earlier Regulations namely "Jharkhand State Electricity Regulatory Commission (Electricity Supply Code) Regulations 2005" read with all amendments thereto, as applicable to the subject matter of these Regulations are hereby repealed.1.9.2Notwithstanding such repeal:(a)Anything done or action taken or purported to have been taken, or proceedings initiated under such repealed Regulations, shall be deemed to have been taken under these Regulations to the extent that same were not inconsistent with the Act.(b)The Commission may, at any time and on such terms as it may think fit, amend, alter or modify any provision of these Regulations or remove any error or defect in these Regulations.
