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Source-This post on Government amends Electricity Rules has been created based on the article “Government amends Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules; amended Rules will further empower consumers, says Union Power and New & Renewable Energy Minister” published in “PIB” on 23 February 2024.
Why in the news?
The Government of India has recently approved amendments to the Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules, 2020.
What are the major amendments?
1) Rooftop Solar Systems
a) Exemption has been given for the requirement of technical feasibility study, for systems up to a capacity of 10 kW.
b) For systems of capacity higher than 10 kW, the timeline for completing the feasibility study has been reduced from 20 to15 days.
2) Separate Connections for Electric Vehicle Charging Stations– Consumers can now obtain separate electricity connections for charging their Electric Vehicles (EVs).
3) Fastened Process of New connections –
The time period for obtaining a new electricity connection under the Rules are as such-
Metropolitan areas-3 to 7 days
Municipal areas-7 to 15 days
Rural areas-3 to 15 days.
4) Additional Rights for Consumers in Residential Colonies and Flats-Owners residing in co-operative group housing societies, multi-storied buildings etc, will have the option to choose from the distribution licensee either individual connections for everyone or a single-point connection for the whole premises.
5) Mandatory Additional Meter in cases of Complaints– If consumers raise complaints about meter reading not aligning with their actual electricity consumption, then the distribution licensee is required to install an additional meter within 5 days from the date of receipt of the complaint.
What is the significance of this amendment?
1) Empowerment of consumers– a) It will reduce timeline for getting new electricity connections and enable consumers in multistoried flats to choose their connection type.
2) Renewable energy– It will enhance the production of solar energy as installing Rooftop Solar Systems gets easier and faster.
3) Fulfilment of Net zero target– Allowing consumers to obtain separate electricity connections for charging their Electric Vehicles (EVs) will promote faster adoption of electric vehicle. This also aligns with the country’s goal of reducing carbon emissions and reaching Net Zero by the year 2070.
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