Power distribution companies (discoms) will have to pay compensation to consumers for frequent outages, and delay in providing connections and other services, as per latest electricity rules. Distribution companies may attract penalties of up to Rs 1,00,000 for flouting Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules, 2020, Power Minister R.K. Singh said.

The compensation will be adjusted against current or future bills within the deadline specified by the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission, according to the government. The rules provide for stringent timelines for connection, disconnection, reconnection and shifting. Fines will be imposed on distribution companies for delay in change of consumer category, load as well as details, replacement of defective meters, and failure to meet deadline for issuing bills and bill-related complaints.

The rules state connections will not be provided without meters. The meters can only be smart pre-payment or pre-payment devices. The rules include provisions for testing of meters as well as replacement of defective or stolen devices, the minister said. As per the new rules, consumers should get electricity connections within a week in metros, 15 days in other cities and a month in rural areas.

Also, the distributors must promptly intimate consumers of unplanned disruptions through text message or other electronic modes, along with the estimated time for restoration of services. The distributors must set up centralised toll-free call centres that operate throughout the week and extend customer support through a unified view.

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