Section 6 in Jharkhand State Electricity Regulatory Commission (Electricity Supply Code) Regulations, 2015
6. Procedure for providing fresh electricity connection.
- 6.1 It shall be duty of the Distribution Licensee to:(a)Issue a duly authorized acknowledgement of each application form accepted, or(b)Inform an applicant upon request of the status of his application and the reasons if any, for non-disposal of the application.6.2For all application forms pertaining to release of supply to new connections, the 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, then the Distribution Licensee shall acknowledge the submission of application form in writing on the spot to the consumer.Note: 'Acknowledgment' on part of the Distribution Licensee means a written slip/receipt issued to the applicant at the Distribution Licensee's office. Acknowledgment on part of the applicant, e.g. on test / inspection reports, means a signature by the applicant or his authorised representative on the form prepared / being carried by the Distribution Licensee's official / representative.6.3The Distribution Licensee shall maintain a permanent record of all application forms received in an Application Register/Database. 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. 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. The Distribution Licensee shall keep the registers/databases updated with stage-wise status of disposal of each application form till energization of service connection and allotment of consumer number.6.4An application form 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.6.5An application shall be deemed to be received on the date of receipt of all applicable charges including the security deposit in accordance with Annexure 18 of these Regulations, after receipt of the application form.6.6The Distribution Licensee shall, at the time of receipt of application form, stipulate a date for inspection of applicant's premises in mutual consultation with the applicant, under written acknowledgment. The Distribution Licensee shall send its Authorised Representative to:(a)study the technical requirements for giving supply; and(b)inspect the premises to which supply is to be given.6.7The date of the inspection shall be scheduled not later than:(a)five (5) days in case of LT connection in Class-I cities; seven (7) days in case of LT connection in Urban areas and ten (10) days in case of LT connections in rural areas(b)ten (10) days in case of HT and EHT connections, from the date of receipt of application form.6.8If the applicant and his licensed electrical contractor or his authorised representative are not present at the site on the date of inspection, the application may be rejected by the Distribution Licensee. In case the application is rejected, written information in this respect shall be sent by the Distribution Licensee to the applicant, within 3 days of the stipulated date of inspection.6.9The Distribution Licensee shall inspect and test the applicant's consumer installation as required of him under Regulation 31 of the Central Electricity Authority (Measures relating to Safety and Electricity Supply) Regulations, 2010, in force from time to time, in the presence of the applicant and his Licensed Electrical Contractor or his authorised representative. The Distribution Licensee shall maintain a record of test results in the format given in Annexure 9 as required of him under Regulation 31 of the Central Electricity Authority (Measures relating to Safety and Electricity Supply) Regulations, 2010, in force from time to time. If on inspection, the Distribution Licensee finds any defect (e.g. consumer's installation not completed, bare ends of conductor/joints not properly covered with insulating tape, wiring of such nature that it is dangerous to life/property, etc.), he shall intimate the same to the applicant on the spot under proper receipt in the format given in Annexure 9.6.10During the inspection, the Distribution Licensee shall:(a)verify that there is no outstanding due in the applicant's name or for the premise for which the new connection is being applied for. If the applicant, in respect of an earlier agreement executed in his name or in the name of a firm or company with which he was associated either as a partner, director or managing director, has any arrears of electricity dues or other dues for the premises where the new connection is applied for and such dues are payable to the licensee, the requisition for supply may not be entertained by the licensee until the dues are paid in full. But if the erstwhile consumer defaulted payment of dues and left the premises for good and the concerned premises has come in legal possession of a new occupant through transfer or a decree/order of the court/authority and who has no nexus with the previous owner/occupant in any manner, applies for connection of the electrical line in the same disconnected premises, the distribution licensee shall provide electrical connection without realization of the arrear/dues of the premises payable by the erstwhile consumer, from the subsequent transferee of the premises and he shall not be held liable to pay/discharge the liability of the previous consumer for securing a fresh connection;(b)fix the point of supply, the place where the meter and MCB etc. shall be installed, and layout of the service line, in consultation with the consumer: Provided that the service line shall be laid at an accessible location and the meter shall be fixed outside or at the entry point of the premises in such a manner that it is protected from elements like rain, etc. and is easily accessible without getting the premises unlocked or opened for this purpose;(c)record the correct full address of the premises, if not provided in the application form, note down landmarks near the property and the pole number from where service connection is proposed to be given and consumer number of the neighbours or nearest consumer;(d)verify the load/ demand, purpose of usage of electricity and consumer category as indicated in the application form; and(e)verify all other particulars mentioned in the application form, as required.6.11When the applicant's premises has no frontage on a street and the service line from the Distribution Licensee's mains has to go upon, over or under the adjoining premises of any other person (whether or not the adjoining premises is owned jointly by the applicant and such other person), or in any other case the consumer shall bring at his own expense any necessary way-leave, consent or license for laying of distribution mains and service line upon, over or under such premises and furnish to the Distribution Licensee. The Distribution Licensee shall not arrange supply of power until the way-leave, consent or license is received. Any extra expense incurred in placing the supply line in accordance with the terms of the way-leave, consent or sanction shall be borne by the consumer. In the event of the way-leave, consent or sanction being cancelled or withdrawn, the consumer shall, at his own cost arrange for or in case the work is carried out by the Distribution Licensee at the consumer's request pay full cost of, any diversion of the service line or the provision of any new service line thus rendered necessary. It shall not be incumbent on the Distribution Licensee to ascertain the validity or adequacy of way-leave, consent or sanction obtained by the consumer.6.12Where in the opinion of the Distribution Licensee, the provision of supply requires installation of a distribution transformer within the applicant premises, the applicant shall make available to the Distribution Licensee a suitable piece of land or a suitable room within such premises for the period of supply for installation of the distribution transformer.6.13If the applicant, in respect of an earlier agreement executed in his name or in the name of a firm or company with which he was associated either as a partner, director or managing director, has any arrears of electricity dues or other dues for the premises where the new connection is applied for and such dues are payable to the licensee, the requisition for supply may not be entertained by the licensee until the dues are paid in full keeping with the proviso of clause 12.3 of these Regulations.6.14If on inspection the Distribution Licensee finds any defect (e.g. consumer's installation not complete, bare ends of conductor/joints not properly covered with insulating tape, wiring of such nature that it is dangerous to life/property, etc.), the Distribution Licensee shall intimate the defects to the applicant on the spot under proper receipt in the format given at Annexure 9.6.15The applicant shall get all defects removed within ten (10) days from receipt of intimation of defects as specified in clause 6.14 of these Regulations and inform the Distribution Licensee in writing under acknowledgement. In case the applicant fails to remove such defects or fails to inform the Distribution Licensee about removal of defects, the application form shall stand lapsed and the applicant will have to apply afresh. The Distribution Licensee shall grant additional time to the applicant for completion of works, in case the applicant submits a written request for the same, within ten (10) days from receipt of intimation of defects.6.16On receipt of information from the applicant about removal of defects, the Distribution Licensee shall on the spot stipulate a date for re-inspection of applicant's premises in mutual consultation with the applicant, under written acknowledgment. The Distribution Licensee shall complete the re-inspection of the premises related to an application for supply of electricity not later than seven (7) days in Class-I cities and Urban areas and within ten (10) days in Rural areas from the date of receipt of application.6.17If on re-inspection the defects pointed out earlier are found to persist, the Distribution Licensee shall again record the same in the format given in Annexure 9 to these Regulations and hand over a copy of the same to the applicant or his authorised representative available on site. The application form shall then stand lapsed and the applicant shall be informed accordingly in writing under acknowledgement:Provided that if the applicant feels aggrieved by the Distribution Licensee's action or omission, the applicant may file his representation to the concerned Consumer Grievance Redressal Forum (CGRF) for redressal of his grievance:Provided further that in case the Distribution Licensee does not carry out site inspection/reinspection within seven (7) days in Class-I cities and Urban areas and ten (10) days in Rural areas from the date of receipt of application form or information about removal of site defects, the load applied for shall be deemed to have been sanctioned and the Distribution Licensee shall not deny grant/modification of connection on these grounds.6.18If during inspection no defects are found, or during re-inspection the defects noticed earlier are found to be removed, the Distribution Licensee shall sanction the load/demand determined at the time of inspection in accordance with Annexure 8 to these Regulations or the load/demand applied for, whichever is higher. The Distribution Licensee shall also determine the tariff category applicable as on date with reference to the latest Tariff Order issued by the Commission from time to time and issue a demand note in writing, under acknowledgment, within the following time limit:(a)where LT supply to an applicant is to be given from an existing network of the Distribution Licensee, the Distribution Licensee shall intimate the charges to be borne by the applicant within ten (10) days in Class-I cities, within twelve (12) days in Urban areas and within ten (15) days in Rural areas from the date of receipt of application form for supply;(b)where LT supply to an applicant requires extension or augmentation/upgradation of distributing mains or commissioning of a new sub-station, the Distribution Licensee shall intimate the charges to be borne by such applicant within thirty (30) days from the date of receipt of application form for supply;(c)where HT or EHT supply to an applicant is to be given from an existing network of the Distribution Licensee, the Distribution Licensee shall intimate the charges to be borne by the applicant not later than twenty (20) days from the date of receipt of application form for supply;(d)where EHT supply is to be given or HT supply requires extension or augmentation/upgradation of distributing mains or commissioning of a new substation, the Distribution Licensee shall intimate the charges to be borne by such applicant within thirty (30) days from the date of receipt of application form for supply;(e)where an applicant seeks dedicated distribution facilities to his premises, the Distribution Licensee shall intimate the charges to be borne by such applicant within forty five (45) days from the date of receipt of application for supply: Provided that the time taken by the applicant in removing any defects/deficiencies found at the applicant's premises shall not be included in the timeline specified above:Provided further that wherever the transmission licensee's involvement is required in the process for time and cost estimation, the time taken by the transmission licensee shall not be included in the timeline specified above.6.19The demand note as specified in clause 6.18 of these Regulations shall contain details of the following:(a)details of the works (including service line) to be undertaken for providing electricity supply;(b)charges for the abovementioned works to be paid by the applicant in accordance with the schedule of charges approved by the Commission from time to time:Provided that, if the applicant wishes to carry out the works himself, he shall be permitted to do so under supervision by the Distribution Licensee's official. Adhering to the estimate and layout approved by the Distribution Licensee, the applicant can get the work of drawing of service line from the Distribution Licensee's distribution mains up to his premises through a 'C' or higher-class Licensed Electrical Contractor (LEC), and the work of extension of HT/EHT line, distribution or HT substation and LT line only through an 'A' class Licensed Electrical Contractor. In such case the consumer himself shall procure the materials. The material should conform to relevant BIS specifications or its equivalent and should bear the ISI mark wherever applicable. The Distribution Licensee may ask for documentary evidence to verify the quality of materials used:Provided further that if the applicant chooses to get the extension work (extension of distributing mains which may include the extension of HT and/or LT lines and/or new distribution transformer) done on his/her own, he shall bear only supervision charges as per the schedule of charges approved by the Commission from time to time:Provided further that if the applicant chooses to get the extension work done on his own, he shall get the work done within the timeframe specified in clause 6.26 of these Regulations, failing which the Distribution Licensee may, on giving fifteen (15) days' notice, treat the application form for supply as cancelled.(c)amount of security deposit to be deposited by the applicant as specified in Annexure 18 to these Regulations.6.20The applicant shall make the payment within fifteen (15) days from the receipt of demand note, failing which the application form shall stand lapsed and the applicant shall be informed accordingly in writing under acknowledgement. The Distribution Licensee's obligation to energize the connection shall arise only after receipt of full payment. The Distribution Licensee may grant additional time to the applicant for payment of charges in case the applicant submits a written request for the same, within the fifteen (15) days payment period. Any excess/deficient payment made by the consumer shall be adjusted in the subsequent two bills.6.21Upon receipt of a duly complete application accompanied with the required charges, security deposit and availability of suitable piece of land/room/distribution transformer as required by the Distribution Licensee, the Distribution Licensee shall sanction and carry out or permit to be carried out the works to give supply to the applicant.6.22After completion of the works, receipt of inspection report of the electrical installation and permission of the Electrical Inspector if applicable and permission of the Inspector of Mines in case of mines, the applicant shall submit written information to the Distribution Licensee regarding the same. The Distribution Licensee shall on the spot stipulate a date for testing the consumer installation through mutual consultation, under written acknowledgment. From the date of receipt of information, the date of testing must be scheduled within five (5) days in Class-I cities, seven (7) days in Urban areas and ten (10) days in Rural areas. The applicant or his authorised representative shall remain present during the testing along with the Licensed Electrical Contractor or his authorised representative who had undertaken the installation.6.23On testing of the installation by the Distribution Licensee or his representative, if the same is Page 25 found satisfactory the Distribution Licensee shall arrange to install meter and accessories and seal the meter, meter box and other accessories in the presence of the consumer and provide electricity supply within two working days of the date of testing.6.24If the Distribution Licensee is not satisfied, the applicant shall be intimated on the spot in writing, under acknowledgment, of the faults/shortcoming in the consumer installation. The applicant shall get all defects removed within ten (10) days from receipt of intimation of defects. After rectification of the defects, the applicant will intimate the Distribution Licensee in writing after which the Distribution Licensee shall again follow the procedure as laid down in clauses 6.22 and 6.23 of these Regulations. In case the applicant fails to remove such defects within ten (10) days or fails to inform the Distribution Licensee about removal of defects, the application form shall stand lapsed and the applicant will have to apply afresh. The Distribution Licensee may grant additional time to the applicant for completion of works, in case the applicant submits a written request for the same, within ten (10) working days from receipt of intimation of defects.6.25After re-testing of the installation and on receiving of the prescribed fee (no fee shall be charged by the Distribution Licensee for the first test but subsequent tests due to faults/shortcomings found in the initial test shall be charged, as prescribed by the Commission from time to time), if the installation is found satisfactory by the Distribution Licensee, the Distribution Licensee shall provide electricity supply after fixing the meter & accessories and sealing the same in the presence of the applicant within two (2) days of such re-testing.6.26The overall timeline for releasing new electricity connection, including energization, shall be as follows:(a)the Distribution Licensee shall, on an application by the owner or occupier of any premises, give supply of electricity to such premises, within one (1) month after receipt of the completed application and payment of charges for requiring such supply if the supply to an applicant is to be given from an existing network of the Distribution Licensee;(b)where the supply of electricity to a premise requires extension or augmentation of distributing mains, the Distribution Licensee shall give supply to such premises within forty five (45) days in Class-I Cities and Urban areas and within sixty (60) days in Rural areas, from the date of receipt of application and payment of charges. The extension or augmentation of distributing mains may include the extension of HT, LT lines and new or augmentation of distribution transformer;(c)where the supply of electricity to a premise requires commissioning of a new substation forming part of the distribution system, the Distribution Licensee shall give supply to such premises within six (6) months from the date of receipt of application and payment of charges. The commissioning of new sub-station forming part of distribution system will include substation having transformation from EHV to HT or HT to LT or switching station from where HT distribution lines originate.Provided that the Distribution Licensee may approach the Commission for extension of time specified above, in specific cases where the extension of distribution mains requires more time, along with the details. In such cases, licensee shall inform the consumer about the likely time of release of connection.Provided also that the Distribution Licensee shall not be held responsible for the delay, if any, on account of problems relating to statutory clearances, right of way, acquisition of land or the delay in consumer's obligation.6.27Procedure for Providing Temporary Supply. - 6.27.1 Temporary connection shall be granted for a period up to 1 year at a time, which can be further extended depending upon the requirements. For extension of the period of temporary supply, the procedure detailed in clause 6.27.10 of these Regulations shall be applicable.6.27.2For LT connections, temporary connection may be granted through prepaid meters wherever technically feasible.6.27.3The applicant shall apply for temporary supply in the format prescribed in Annexure 1 or 2 (as applicable) to these Regulations along with the documents prescribed in clauses 5.5.7 to 5.5.12 of these Regulations as well as a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the local authority if the supply is required at a place owned by the local authority:Provided that in case temporary supply is required in premises/place where 100 or more persons are likely to assemble, applicant shall comply with the provisions of Section 54 of the Act:Provided further that if any permit/NOC is withdrawn, by the competent authority after energization of connection, then the supply shall be disconnected forthwith and shall be reconnected only after the permit/NOC is restored.6.27.4The Distribution Licensee shall process the application form as per the procedure given in clauses 6.2 to 6.18 of these Regulations.6.27.5During the inspection, the Distribution Licensee shall examine the technical feasibility of the connection applied for. If the connection is not found technically feasible, the Distribution Licensee shall inform the applicant in writing within seven (7) days for LT and fifteen (15) days for HT/EHT connections after receipt of application form, specifying reason(s) for the same. However, no connection up to 10 kW shall be rejected on technical grounds.6.27.6If on inspection/re-inspection the connection is found feasible, the Distribution Licensee shall sanction the load applied for and issue a demand note in accordance with clause 6.19 of these Regulations and within the timeline specified in clause 6.18 of these Regulations. Both the Distribution Licensee and applicant shall follow the procedure and timelines as laid down in clauses 6.20 to 6.25 these Regulations.6.27.7After deposit of estimated cost and advance charges for temporary electricity connection by the applicant, and satisfactory testing of the consumer installation, the temporary connection shall be released by the date of requirement as indicated in the application form, or as per the timelines specified below:(a)For LT supply without extension, within 7 days(b)For LT supply with extension, within 15 days(c)For HT supply without extension, within 15 days(d)For HT supply with extension, within 25 days(e)For EHT supply, within thirty (30) days6.27.8If there are outstanding dues on the premises, temporary connection shall not be given till such dues are paid by the consumer.6.27.9After the period of temporary supply is over and supply has been disconnected, the Distribution Licensee shall prepare the final bill on the basis of actual consumption. Consumption security or advance charges, after adjusting unpaid dues, shall be refunded by the Distribution Licensee. Material security shall also be refunded after deducting any damage to material (meter, transformer, isolator etc) and dismantling charges, which shall not be more than 10% of the material security, as prescribed by the Commission from time to time. Refund of these securities shall be made within fifteen (15) days from the date of disconnection, failing which the Distribution Licensee shall be liable to pay interest at a rate equivalent to the late payment surcharge as per the prevailing Tariff Order issued by the Commission. Provided that where the works for such temporary supply are carried out by the applicant requiring such supply, then the applicant shall be entitled to retain such works at the time of termination of supply.6.27.10For extension of the period of temporary supply, the consumer shall apply to the Distribution Licensee in writing at least seven (7) days before the date of expiry of temporary supply. The Distribution Licensee may grant extension and send to the consumer a demand note of advance electricity charges for the period of extension within seven (7) days of receiving the written request.6.27.11The applicant may get the date of availing temporary supply amended to a date not later than ninety (90) days from the date of original sanction, by applying to the Distribution Licensee at least four (4) days before the originally sanctioned date of commencement of supply in Class-I cities and Urban areas, and at least eight (8) days in advance in Rural areas.6.27.12Grant of temporary connection shall not create a right in favour of the applicant for claiming a permanent connection, which shall be governed by provisions of the Act and relevant Regulations.6.28Tatkal Yojana. - 6.28.1 The Distribution Licensee shall give temporary supply at a notice of 24 hours, if it is technically feasible, on payment of an additional fee in accordance with the schedule of charges approved by the Commission from time to time.
