• Source:JND

Getting a new electricity connection may become cheaper starting in the New Year. The Electricity Regulatory Commission is expected to reduce the current price of smart prepaid meters from Rs 6,016 to Rs 2,800 in the new Cost Data Book, which will come into effect in January.

Following a detailed discussion on the rates of various electrical materials during the Electricity Supply Code Review Panel Sub-Committee meeting held on Thursday, the Regulatory Commission will soon finalise the new rates.

Corporation Vs. Commission On Pricing

Although the Power Corporation management is seeking an increase of up to 100 per cent in the rates of electrical materials compared to the previous Cost Data Book of 2019, the cost charged for smart prepaid meters is expected to decrease. Currently, the Corporation is charging Rs 6,016 for single-phase meters and Rs 11,342 for three-phase meters.

During the meeting chaired by Regulatory Commission Chairman Arvind Kumar, the Corporation management argued for increasing smart prepaid meter rates, citing prices in states like Maharashtra, Assam and Tamil Nadu, which range from Rs 5,200 to Rs 6,325. Corporation MD Pankaj Kumar stated that the rates proposed by the Commission—Rs 2,800 for single-phase and Rs 4,100 for three-phase—are too low. He suggested the price should be between Rs 8,000 and Rs 13,000.

Objections From The Consumer Council

Avadhesh Verma, member of the Review Panel and President of the Uttar Pradesh State Electricity Consumer Council, objected to the Corporation's demand. Presenting purchase invoices and citing the price of smart meters in Rajasthan as Rs 2,500, he argued that the actual cost is coming to around Rs 2,630–Rs 2,800 for single-phase meters and Rs 3,500 for three-phase meters.

Raising further objections to the proposed Cost Data Book, Verma pointed out significant discrepancies in rates. For example, the actual purchase cost of a 25 KVA transformer is Rs 73,101, whereas Rs 86,157 has been proposed in the Cost Data Book. Similar differences exist in the rates for cables and 8.5-meter PCC poles. Verma demanded that the Commission fix prices based on actual purchase rates to protect consumer interests.

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Concerns Over Rules And Fees

Avadhesh Verma also raised concerns regarding the lump-sum connection facility for up to 150 KW within 300 meters. He argued that limiting this facility only to "electrified areas" would deprive farmers and residents of undeveloped colonies. Furthermore, he noted that removing the facility for two connections after 40 meters would increase connection costs for poor consumers.

He stated there is no justification for increasing security and processing fees for domestic consumers up to 5 KW. Additionally, the Council President demanded a 33 per cent discount for rural women and a 15 per cent discount for urban women on new connections.

Verma also suggested that both postpaid and prepaid options be included in the Cost Data Book. The meeting was attended by Power Corporation Chairman Dr Ashish Kumar Goyal, Madhyanchal Discom MD Riya Kejriwal, Corporation directors, and representatives from Torrent and Noida Power Company.

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