Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules 2020

Topics Covered: Infrastructure- Energy.

Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules, 2020:

Context:

Notified recently.

• These rules serve to “empower” consumers with rights that would allow them to access continuous supply of quality, reliable electricity.

The following areas are covered under the rules:

1. Rights of consumers and Obligations of Distribution licensees;
2. release of new connection and modification in existing connection;
3. metering arrangement;
4. billing and payment;
5. disconnection and reconnection;
6. reliability of supply;
7. consumer as ‘prosumer’;
8. standards of performance of licensee;
9. compensation mechanism;
10. call centre for consumer services;
11. grievance redressal mechanism.

Key Provisions:

1. States will have to implement these rules and discoms will be held more accountable for issues like delays in providing and renewing connections of electricity.
2. They are also obligated to provide round-the-clock electricity to consumers, as per the Ministry of Power.
3. To ensure compliance, the government will apply penalties that will be credited to the consumer’s account.
4. There are certain exceptions to these rules, especially where use for agricultural purposes is concerned.

Background:

Electricity is a Concurrent List (Seventh Schedule) subject and the central government has the authority and the power to make laws on it.

InstaLinks:

Prelims Link:

1. Electricity under 7th schedule.
2. Subjects under seventh Schedule.
3. What happens when a State’s law is in conflict with Centre’s law.

Sources: PIB.