Government of India Approves Amendments to Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules, 2020

The Government of India has approved amendments to the Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules, 2020. The announcement was made by the Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy, R.K. Singh, who highlighted the key changes aimed at streamlining processes and enhancing consumer choice.

Addressing the media, Minister Singh emphasized that the amendments are designed to expedite the process of obtaining new electricity connections and simplify the setup of rooftop solar installations. Notable amendments include the reduction of timelines for various procedures and the introduction of provisions to ensure transparency in billing and metering.

One of the major amendments focuses on facilitating the installation of rooftop solar PV systems, with exemptions provided for technical feasibility studies for systems up to 10 kW capacity. For systems of capacity higher than 10 kW, the timeline for completing the feasibility study has been reduced from 20 days to 15 days. Further, in case the study is not completed within the stipulated time, the approval will be deemed to have been given.

Additionally, it has now been mandated that the distribution system strengthening necessary for rooftop solar PV systems up to 5 kW capacity will be done by the distribution company at its own cost.

Further, the timeline for the distribution licensee to commission Rooftop Solar PV systems has been reduced from 30 days to 15 days.

Another significant provision allows consumers to obtain separate electricity connections for charging their electric vehicles, aligning with the country's goals of reducing carbon emissions and achieving net-zero status by 2070.

The time period for obtaining a new electricity connection under the Rules has been reduced from seven days to three days in metropolitan areas, from 15 days to 7 days in other municipal areas, and from 30 days to 15 days in rural areas. However, in rural areas with hilly terrain, the time period for new connections or modifications in existing connections will remain thirty days.

In residential colonies and multi-storied buildings, consumers now have the option to choose between individual connections or a single-point connection for the entire premises, with transparency ensured through a transparent ballot conducted by distribution companies.

Moreover, to address consumer complaints regarding meter readings, distribution licensees are now required to install additional meters within five days, providing reassurance and accuracy in billing.

Minister Singh reaffirmed the government's commitment to consumer welfare and renewable energy promotion, stating that the amendments to the Electricity Rules further empower consumers and set higher standards for services provided by electricity distribution companies nationwide.

The Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules, 2020, initially issued on December 31, 2020, established standards for services provided by electricity distribution companies, covering billing, complaints, compensation, and timelines for new connections. These rules also support renewable energy generation by prosumers.