The Madhya Pradesh Electricity Supply Code has been updated with the introduction of the Fifth Amendment in 2021. The amendment comes into effect from the date it is officially published in the government gazette.
One of the key changes in this update is the definition of an “applicant.” This term now includes individuals or groups who apply for an electricity supply, such as property owners, developers, and even groups of consumers. Additionally, the definition of a “consumer” has been expanded to include individuals who receive electricity for personal use, either from a licensed supplier or the government. The consumer types have also been categorized based on the voltage they receive, such as Low Tension (LT), High Tension (HT), and Extra High Tension (EHT).
Another significant modification in the amendment is the addition of the term “sanctioned load,” which refers to the load approved by the electricity supplier for a connection. For domestic and non-domestic consumers with smart meters, the sanctioned load may need to be increased depending on technical feasibility and the guidelines of the system. For some connections, the load could be higher than what was initially sanctioned.
The supply voltage requirements for various sanctioned loads have also been updated. For instance, LT connections will have specific load limits, with demands based on tariffs applicable to different load categories. The updated regulations also clarify the minimum and maximum contract demands for various voltage levels, from 11 kV to 220 kV or higher. In cases where a deviation from these standards is technically feasible, the electricity supplier may allow exceptions with proper documentation.
The amendment also involves several changes in how consumers and applicants are addressed in different sections of the supply code. For example, in various places where the term “consumer” was used, it has been replaced with “applicant,” ensuring consistency across the code.
Moreover, the amendment revises how billing for electricity supply is handled, particularly for low-tension consumers. For non-domestic consumers, the fixed charges will now be based on the sanctioned load, while domestic consumers will be billed as per the annual tariff orders. The billing procedures for contract demand have been adjusted to ensure that charges are aligned with the agreed terms between the consumer and the supplier.
The amendment introduces measures related to excess electricity consumption, specifying that consumers exceeding their sanctioned load or contract demand will be billed as per the tariff order. However, no refunds will be given if the contract demand is reduced, although consumers can apply for an increase in their demand at any time, with applicable charges. These updates aim to streamline electricity supply management, improve billing practices, and provide clarity for consumers and suppliers alike.
