Electricity Consumer Metering Rules 2020
In this post, electricity consumer metering rules 2020 is explained here. The rules are regarding new connection as well as existing connection of meters is given. The rules are given for
- New and Existing connection
- Metering
- Billing and payment
- Method of payment of bills
- Advance payment of bills
- Disconnection and reconnection
- Reliability of supply
- Consumer as prosumer
- Standards of performance
- Compensation mechanism
- Call center for customer services
- Grievance redressal mechanism
Electricity Consumer metering rules
No connection shall be given without a meter and such meter shall be the
smart pre-payment meter or pre-payment meter.
New meter connection
At the time of seeking a new connection the consumer shall have the
option to - (a) purchase the meter, MCB or CB and associated equipment himself
or require that the meter, MCB or CB and associated equipment be supplied by
the distribution licensee, on payment of applicable charges.
Tested & Sealed meter
The distribution licensee shall ensure that tested and sealed meters of
approved meter manufacturers are available to consumers for purchase and
information of the places from where the consumers can purchase them is made
available on its website.
Meter billing cycle
The meter shall be read at least once in every billing cycle in urban as
well as rural areas by an authorized representative of the distribution
licensee.
The meters shall be read remotely at least once in every month and in
case of other pre-payment and smart meters, the meters shall be read by an
authorized representative of the distribution licensee at least once in every
three months.
Consumer energy consumption data rules
The data regarding energy consumption shall be made available to the
consumer, through website or mobile App or SMS etc.
Consumers having smart pre-payment meters may also be given the data
access for checking their consumption on real time basis.
For post payment meters, if the meter is inaccessible to the meter
reader on two consecutive meter reading dates, the consumer shall have the
option to send the picture of the meter indicating the meter reading and date
of meter reading through registered mobile or through e-mail. In such a case,
distribution licensee may not send any notice or provisional bill to the
consumer
Meter burn, seal break, damage rules
If the consumer makes complains regarding meter readings not being
commensurate with his consumption of electricity, stoppage of meter, damage to
the seal, burning or damage of the meter etc., testing of meters shall be done
by the distribution licensee within a period as may be specified by the
Commission, not exceeding 30 days, of receipt of the complaint from the
consumer.
Defective meter fee rules
No test fee shall be charged from the consumer at the time of reporting
if the meter is found to be defective or burnt due to reasons attributable to
the consumer, the consumer shall bear the cost of new meter and test fee shall
be charged from the consumer through subsequent bills.
The distribution licensee shall give a copy of the meter test report to
the consumer duly signed by both the distribution licensee or their authorized
representatives and the consumer, and retain one such copy as acknowledgment.
If the meter is found to be inaccurate, the excess or deficit charges
shall be adjusted in the subsequent bills as specified by the Commission.
Meter testing rules
If a consumer disputes the results of testing, the meter shall be tested
at a third-party testing facility selected by the consumer from the list of third-party
testing agencies approved by the Commission.
If it is successfully established that the results of this test are
contrary to the results of the test performed by the distribution licensee,
then the cost of undertaking such test shall be borne by the distribution
licensee. However, in case it is established that the results of this test are
same as the results of the test performed by the distribution licensee in
sub-rule (7), then the cost of undertaking such test shall be borne by the
Consumer.
The list of third-party agencies approved by the Commission shall be
available in their various offices as well as on the website of the
distribution licensee.
Replacement of defective or burnt or stolen meters rules
Either on consumer’s complaint or upon inspection by the distribution
licensee, if the meter is prima facie found to be defective or burnt or stolen
not due to causes attributable to the consumer, the licensee shall restore
supply through a new meter at its own cost within the timelines as specified by
the Commission.
If, after investigation, it is found that the meter has become defective
or burnt or stolen due to causes attributable to the consumer, the necessary
charges shall be recovered from the consumer as specified by the Commission,
within a time, to be specified by the Commission not exceeding 24 hours in
urban areas and 72 hours in rural areas by the distribution licensee.
Non-availability of meter shall not be a reason for delay in restoration
of supply.
Meter installation rules
If the meter is installed outside the consumer’s premises, distribution
licensee shall be responsible for safe custody of the meter, and if the same is
installed within the consumer’s premises, the consumer shall be responsible for
the safe custody of meter.
Indian
Electricity Consumer Rules 2020
You may also like to read these articles :
India’s Renewable Energy Generation
No comments:
Post a Comment