Prepaid meters must for new power connections: Draft rules

Every new electricity connection will come with a smart prepayment meter or a prepayment meter, as per the Draft Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules, 2020.

According to the new rules circulated by the power ministry for comments, no connection will come without a smart prepayment meter or a prepayment meter. Any exception to this should be approved by the State Electricity Regulatory Commission.

Smart prepayment meters should be read remotely once in every month and in case of other prepayment meters, they should be read by a representative of the distribution licensee once in three months. Consumers with smart prepayment meters will be given access to check their consumption on a real time basis.

The draft also recognises consumer as a prosumer if he generates renewable energy (RE). "While the prosumer shall maintain his consumer status and have the same rights as consumer, he will also have the right to set up renewable energy generation units, including roof-top solar PV systems, either by himself or through a service provider," the draft bill says.

The total generation capacity of the RE units should not exceed the limit prescribed commission.

Based on the application received from the prosumer, a technical feasibility study should be completed within 20 days. He would be compensated automatically for those parameters that can be monitored remotely. The distribution licensee will create an online facility on which the prosumer can register and claim compensation amount.

The draft rules also calls for setting up a call centre for consumer services by the commission and a grievance redressal mechanism. The grievance redressal forum will be headed by an officer of the licensee and have two to three members as representatives of consumers and prosumers.

The power ministry has sought suggestions on the draft rules till September 30. by the