Section 9 in Jharkhand State Electricity Regulatory Commission (Electricity Supply Code) Regulations, 2015
9. Metering.
- 9.1 Requirement of Meters9.1.1No new connection shall be given without a correct meter of prescribed specification as per the Electricity Act.9.1.2All meters shall conform to requirements as laid down in the Central Electricity Authority (Installation & Operation of Meters) Regulations, 2006 issued under Section 55 of the Act. The Distribution Licensee shall comply with the abovementioned Regulations for energizing a new connection or for replacement of meter or for other purposes such as energy audit and interface meter.9.1.3For LT loads Miniature Circuit Breakers (MCBs) and for HT/ EHT loads Circuit Breakers (CBs) of appropriate rating and specifications shall be installed along with the meter.9.1.4At the time of seeking a new connection the consumer shall have the option to either:(a)Purchase the meter, MCB/CB and associated equipment himself from a vendor(s) provided the equipments are of a make and specification approved by the Distribution Licensee from time-to-time; or(b)Require that the meter, MCB/CB and associated equipment be supplied by the Distribution Licensee.The consumer shall indicate this option in the application form and licensee shall supply him with the list of approved vendor(s) and make(s). Once the consumer has procured the meter, the Distribution Licensee shall test, install and seal the meter.The Distribution Licensee shall make available on its website an updated list of makes and specifications of meters and other equipments, as approved by the Distribution Licensee.9.1.5The Distribution Licensee is authorised to review the status of meters already installed in the context of upgraded technology becoming available and suitability of the site where meter is placed in the consumer's premises. The Distribution Licensee may install remote metering device in the consumer's premises as per the technical requirements of the specific device. The Distribution Licensee may also install maximum demand (MD) meter having maximum demand recording feature or such additional features.9.1.6The meters for new connections shall be of following type(s):(a)For LT connections - Electronic Meters with MDI(b)For HT/EHT consumers - 3 Phase Tri-vector meters with MDI. The meters shall have a facility for "Time of the Day" metering and storage of at least 45 days. The consumer shall have the option to install meter having facility to record peak hours MDI in addition to above features9.1.7In a situation where the Distribution Licensee is facing problems in collection of energy dues, the Distribution Licensee may install pre-paid meters. The meters shall conform to the technical requirements as prescribed in Central Electricity Authority (Installation and Operation of meters) Regulations 2006.9.1.8If supply is provided by the Distribution Licensee to different categories of consumers in the same premises, separate meter(s) shall be installed for measurement of energy for each such category.9.1.9If supply to an HT/EHT consumer is given on an independent feeder for his exclusive use the metering arrangement shall be installed at the consumer's premises or, if mutually agreed, the metering arrangement at the sub-station of the Distribution Licensee may be used for billing and no meter need be installed at the premises of the consumer.9.2Supply and Installation of Meters and MCBs/CBs. - 9.2.1 LT, HT and EHT consumers, if they opt for procurement of meter and related apparatus, shall provide a locked and weatherproof enclosure of a design approved by the Distribution Licensee to house the metering equipment including CTs and PTs. In other cases, these shall be included in the estimate and provided by the Distribution Licensee.9.2.2If the meter is supplied by the Distribution Licensee, the recovery of the meter cost and associated equipment shall be made in one or more instalments as per the terms approved by the Commission. In case of connections where cost of the meter has been borne by the consumer, no meter rental shall be charged from the consumer.9.2.3The consumer shall provide suitable and adequate space for installation of the meter supplied in such a manner that it is always accessible to the Distribution Licensee or its representatives. In case of multi-storeyed buildings, it shall be fixed preferably on the ground floor/rising mains having proper air ventilation & adequate illumination.9.2.4Initial installation or replacement of the meter shall be done by the Distribution Licensee's engineer in the presence of the consumer or his authorised representative, after giving a notice period of 7 days.9.2.5The Distribution Licensee shall evolve a format of Meter Particulars Sheet for recording the particulars of the meter at the time of initial installation or replacement. The Distribution Licensee shall retain one copy and the second copy, duly signed by the authorised representative of the Distribution Licensee, shall be given to the consumer under proper acknowledgment. The consumer or his authorised representative shall also sign the Meter Particulars sheet. Subsequently, details of any faults in the meter, repairs, replacements etc. shall be entered into the Meter Particulars Sheet by the Distribution Licensee or his authorised representative.9.2.6Whenever a new meter is installed (for a new connection or as a replacement) it shall be sealed in the presence of the consumer. The seal, name plates and distinguishing numbers or marks affixed on the said equipment or apparatus shall not in any way be broken, erased or altered by the consumer. Treatment of meter seals shall be in accordance with the Central Electricity Authority (Installation and Operation of Meters) Regulations, 2006 and all subsequent amendments.9.2.7The consumer shall be responsible for safe custody of meter(s), MCB/CB etc. if the same are installed within the consumer's premises. The consumer shall promptly notify the Distribution Licensee about any fault, accident or problem noticed with the meter.9.2.8It shall be the responsibility of the Distribution Licensee to maintain the meter and keep it in working order at all times. The Distribution Licensee may also have a provision for such metering system where the display unit is at the consumer premises and the metering unit is outside the premises such as on a pole etc. In such cases, the responsibility of safe custody of the metering unit shall lie with the Distribution Licensee.9.2.9A consumer may install a check meter of appropriate make and conforming to the technical specifications as laid down in Central Electricity Authority (Installation and Operation of meters) Regulations 2006. These check meters may be calibrated by the Distribution Licensee upon payment of prescribed fee as per the schedule of charges approved by the Commission from time to time.. However, check meter readings shall not be used for billing purpose by the Distribution Licensee.9.3Reading of Meters. - 9.3.1 The meter shall be read once in every billing cycle and the consumer shall extend all facilities to the Distribution Licensee or his authorised representatives to read the meter.9.3.2The meter shall be read by an authorised representative of the Distribution Licensee. The Distribution Licensee shall issue proper photo identity cards to all meter readers and meter readers shall carry the photo identity card during the course of meter reading.9.3.3The meter reader may use hand held instruments, meter reading instrument (MRI) or wireless equipment for recording meter readings and for generation of bills on the spot. If bills are prepared on the basis of MRI downloads or if meter reading is taken on the basis of remote meter-reading and the consumer wishes to have a record of the reading taken, he shall be allowed so by the Distribution Licensee.9.3.4It shall be the duty of the meter reader to check the condition of LEDs (light emitting devices) on electronic meters. In case the E/L LED indicator provided on electronic meters is found to be 'ON', he shall inform the consumer that there is leakage in the premises and advise the consumer to get the wiring checked and leakage removed. The meter reader shall also inform the concerned officials of the Distribution Licensee about the leakage.9.3.5Status of the meter and/or its seal along with the meter reading details for last six billing cycles of each consumer shall be made available on the Distribution Licensee's website.9.3.6In case, for any reason, the meter is not read during a billing cycle the Distribution Licensee shall prepare a provisional bill based on the average consumption of last three billing cycles when readings were taken. Such provisional billing shall not continue for more than two billing cycles at a stretch, and the Distribution Licensee shall not generate more than two provisional bills for a consumer during one financial year. The amount paid as per the provisional bill shall be adjusted against the bill raised on the basis of actual meter reading during subsequent billing cycles.9.3.7If the meter is rendered inaccessible on two consecutive meter reading dates, a notice shall be issued to consumer to keep the meter accessible for reading on the date (at least 7 days after the date of notice) and time specified in the notice.9.3.8If meter is not made accessible even on the specified date, a notice shall be served on the consumer, if available, or affixed near the main entrance of the premises, to get the meter read by the Distribution Licensee after payment of a penalty charge which shall be 5% of the average billing amount for the last 12 months, within the next 7 days. Failing this, supply shall be disconnected.9.3.9The provisions of clauses 9.3.7 and 9.3.8 of these Regulations shall not apply in case of a domestic consumer who has given an advance intimation to the Distribution Licensee of the inaccessibility of his meter for reading due to the consumer being out of station and has also deposited an amount in accordance with clause 10.6 of these Regulations.9.3.10When a domestic consumer gives prior information in writing about inaccessibility of the meter to the Distribution Licensee due to continued absence from residence, the Distribution Licensee shall not send any notice/provisional bill to the consumer provided that the consumer pays the fixed charges for such period in advance. Whenever the meter is made accessible by the consumer for taking the meter reading, the entire consumption shall be taken as if the consumption was for the period excluding the intimated period of inaccessibility. This facility shall be available to the consumer if he has paid up all outstanding dues.9.3.11If the consumer desires to have a special reading taken, the same shall be arranged by the Distribution Licensee and the charge, determined as per the Schedule of Charges approved by the Commission from time to time, shall be included in the next bill of the consumer.9.4Testing of Meters. - 9.4.1 It shall be the Distribution Licensee's responsibility to satisfy itself regarding the accuracy of the meter before it is installed and the Distribution Licensee may test them for this purpose. The Distribution Licensee shall conduct periodical inspection/testing and calibration of the meters as specified by the Central Electricity Authority (Installation & Operation of Meters) Regulations, 2006.9.4.2The Distribution Licensee shall conduct periodical inspection/testing of the meters as per the following schedule:(a)Single phase meters: Once every five (5) years(b)LT 3-phase meters: Once every three (3) years(c)HT/EHT meters including MDI: At least once every year Wherever applicable, CT and PT shall also be tested along with meters9.4.3Test results shall be maintained as per the format given in Annexure 9 to these Regulations.9.5Replacement of Meters. - Testing of Defective Meters9.5.1The Distribution Licensee shall have the right to test any meter and related apparatus if there is a reasonable doubt about accuracy of the meter. The consumer shall provide the Distribution Licensee necessary assistance in conduct of the test.9.5.2A consumer may request the Distribution Licensee to test the meter on his premises if he doubts its accuracy, by applying to the Distribution Licensee in the format given in Annexure 10 to these Regulations, along with the requisite testing fee. On receipt of such request, the Distribution Licensee shall follow the procedure as detailed in clauses 9.5.4 to 9.5.7 of these Regulations.9.5.3The meter may be tested for accuracy at a third party facility approved by the Commission, if so desired by the consumer. The list of third party agencies approved by the Commission for testing of meters shall be available on the website of the Distribution Licensee:Provided that in case of testing on the consumer's request, the consumer shall have to pay the testing fee as determined by the Commission from time to time in the Schedule of Charges;Provided further that if the meter is found to be defective / burnt due to technical reasons attributable to the Distribution Licensee viz. voltage fluctuation, transients etc., the Distribution Licensee shall refund the test fee to the consumer by adjustment in the subsequent bill.9.5.4The Distribution Licensee shall inspect and check the correctness of the meter within 4 working days of receiving the complaint in Class-I cities, within 7 working days of receiving the complaint in urban areas and within 12 working days of receiving the complaint in rural areas.9.5.5Before testing a consumer's meter, the Distribution Licensee shall give 2 days' advance notice in case of Class-I cities, 4 days' advance notice in urban areas and 7 days' advance notice in rural areas intimating the date, time and place of testing so that the consumer or his authorised representative may be present at the testing.9.5.6The consumer/authorised representative present during testing will sign the test report as a token of witness. In case the consumer / authorised representative is not present, the Distribution Licensee's representative and the testing laboratory official shall sign on the test report.9.5.7The Distribution Licensee shall dispatch the test report to the consumer, to be received under acknowledgment, within 15 working days of the date of testing. In case of faulty meter, rectification for a maximum period of three months or from the date of last testing, whichever is shorter, on the basis of the test report, shall be adjusted in the subsequent bill.9.5.8If a consumer disputes the results of testing, he may appeal to the Consumer Grievance Redressal Forum (CGRF) which shall adjudicate upon the matter and give its decision within one month of the application.9.5.9Cost of Replacement of Defective/ Burnt/ Lost Meters. - If, as a result of testing it is established that the meter became defective/burnt due to technical reasons viz. voltage fluctuation, transients etc. attributable to the Distribution Licensee, the cost of the meter shall be borne by the Distribution Licensee.9.5.10If, as a result of testing, it is established that the meter was rendered defective/burnt due to reasons attributable to the consumer such as defect in consumer installation, connection of unauthorised load by the consumer etc., the cost of the meter shall be borne by the consumer as specified below:(a)If the meter was owned by the consumer, the Distribution Licensee shall inform the consumer to replace the meter and associated equipment as per provisions of clauses 9.1.1 to 9.1.5 of these Regulations within 7 days, after which the Distribution Licensee may be empowered to install a new meter and start charging meter rent, if applicable.(b)If the meter was owned by the Distribution Licensee, the Distribution Licensee shall install a new meter at its own cost: Provided that in both the scenarios detailed in sub clauses 9.5.10 (a) and 9.5.10 (b), the Distribution Licensee shall recover the cost of the meter from the consumer in proportion of the remaining useful life of the meter (useful life of the meter as per the depreciation schedule of the Commission - no of years after date of first instalment of the aforesaid meter) that was rendered defective/burnt:Provided further that if, as a result of testing, it is established that the meter was rendered defective/burnt due to tampering or any other deliberate act by the consumer to interfere with the meter, the consumer shall be assessed as per clause 11.51 of these Regulations and action as permissible under law shall be taken against the consumer for pilferage and tampering.9.5.11If a consumer disputes the results of testing, the meter shall be tested at a third party facility selected by the consumer from the list of third party testing facility approved by the Commission. The list of third party agencies approved by the Commission for testing of meters shall be available on the website of the Distribution Licensee:Provided that in case of testing on the consumer's request, the consumer shall have to pay the testing fee as determined in the Schedule of Charges approved by the Commission from time to time:Provided further that if the meter is found to be defective / burnt due to technical reasons attributable to the Distribution Licensee viz. voltage fluctuation, transients etc., the Distribution Licensee shall refund the test fee to the consumer by adjustment in the subsequent bill.9.5.12In case of loss of meter, the cost of new meter and other apparatus shall be borne by the consumer unless the meter was installed in the Distribution Licensee's office or sub-station.The Distribution Licensee shall recover the cost of the meter from the consumer in proportion of the remaining useful life of the meter that was lost.9.5.13Replacement of Meters (including MDI) Not Recording. - The consumer is expected to intimate the Distribution Licensee as soon as he notices that the meter has stopped or is not recording.9.5.14If during periodic or other inspection any meter is found to be not recording by the Distribution Licensee, or a consumer makes a complaint in this regard, the Distribution Licensee shall follow the procedure detailed in clauses 9.5.4 to 9.5.7 of these Regulations.9.5.15If the meter is actually found to be not recording, the Distribution Licensee shall replace the non working (stuck, running slow, fast or creeping) meter within 3 working days in Class-I cities, within 5 working days in urban areas and within 15 working days in rural areas. Replacement of Burnt Meters9.5.16In case a meter is found burnt either on consumer's complaint or upon inspection by the Distribution Licensee, the Distribution Licensee shall restore the supply immediately bypassing the burnt meter after ensuring that necessary preventive action at site is taken to avoid future damage.9.5.17If the meter is burnt due to causes attributable to the Distribution Licensee, the Distribution Licensee shall replace the burnt out meter within 3 working days of receiving the complaint in Class-I cities, within 5 working days of receiving the complaint in urban areas and within 15 working days of receiving the complaint in rural areas.9.5.18If the meter is burnt due to causes attributable to the consumer such as tampering, defect in consumer's installation, meter getting wet, connecting unauthorised additional load etc., the procedure laid down in clause 9.5.10 shall be followed with respect to cost of meter. The Distribution Licensee shall serve a notice to the consumer for recovery of cost of the meter within 7 working days of detection and shall replace the meter within 15 working days of receiving payment from the consumer and after necessary corrective action is taken to avoid future damage to the meter.9.5.19Replacement of Lost Meters. - Complaints regarding lost meters shall be entertained by the Distribution Licensee only if they are accompanied by a copy of the FIR lodged by the consumer with police. In all such cases, the Distribution Licensee shall also conduct an inquiry.9.5.20Supply in such cases shall be restored after installation of a new meter, payment of electricity charges for the period in which meter was not available and any other prescribed charges that may be approved by the Commission. Electricity charges for the period in which the meter was not available shall be assessed as per these Regulations.
