All new electricity connections will be installed only with smart prepaid meters in the coming days. The applicants can buy meters directly from the agencies listed on behalf of the power distribution company or the company would provide them. The Ministry of Power, Government of India has prepared a draft of electricity (rights of consumer) rules 2020 which includes many such rules. Suggestions have also been sought from states including Jharkhand on this draft. The draft has been provided to the officers of Jharkhand Electricity Distribution Corporation for study. Suggestions will be soon sent to the Ministry of Power on behalf of the State Government.
The new draft issued by the Ministry emphasizes on transparency. According to the draft, the power distribution company will now have to upload a list of meters and equipment sanctioned on its website. The smart meter will be readable remotely and the reading will be taken at least once a month. The authorised person from the company will have to take readings at least once in three months. Data on power consumption will be made available to the consumer through the mobile app or SMS etc. Consumers will be able to check the consumed balance on the connection.
Engineers from JBVNL say that the draft also provides provision for the consumer to send photos with meter reading over digital medium if meter reading could not be made by the power company at the stipulated time for any reason. After receiving a complaint from the concerned consumer, the distribution company will ensure enquiry and resolution within three days. No fee will be charged from the consumer. But if the meter is burnt, broken or damaged due to the fault of the consumer, it has to be compensated by the consumer. A copy of the meter test report will be given to the consumer. The security of the meter will be the responsibility of the licensee when the consumer is out of the premises. At the same time, faulty or charred meters will be replaced in cities within 24 hours and in rural areas within 72 hours or, the period will be fixed on behalf of the Electricity Regulatory Commission. Non-availability of meters will not be attributed to delay.
The power distribution company or the corporation will have to clarify the process of applying for new connections, temporary connections, changing meters, changing service lines, load reduction, ownership-location changes in a transparent manner on their website. It will also have to explain where the relevant forms are available, how much fee will be charged and the time it would take. The system for tracking the status of the application will also have to be provided. The consumer will have the option to pay electricity bills online or offline.
