June 11,2024
Electricity distribution companies are required to compensate users if it is proven that they intentionally implemented power cuts, resulting in interrupted power supply for customers. Additionally, users are entitled to compensation if an electricity distribution company (DISCOM) fails to provide services such as connection, disconnection, reconnection, shifting, change in consumer category or load, billing services, and addressing voltage and bill-related complaints. The compensation for wilful load shedding if its given then it would come automatically by adjustment of your electricity bill.
“Any delay in providing these services (mentioned above) will lead to providing compensation to consumers by the Distribution Company. 24*7 power supply is a right of the consumers and if a Distribution company resorts to wilful load shedding, then consumers have the right to claim compensation from the Distribution Company,” said the Ministry of Power in a recent public notice.
As per Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules, 2020, notified on December 31, 2020, here are some of the specific criteria where you can claim compensation if the service is not provided and it meets the conditions set by the state electricity commission, which may vary from state to state.
“If a DISCOM fails to follow the specified timeline or if the power interruptions exceed the prescribed limits, the regulations mandate compensation for consumers. The compensation is calculated hourly for the duration of interruptions beyond the permissible limits, varying by consumer category,” says Shri Venkatesh, Managing Partner, SKV Law Offices.
While the central government notified the Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules, 2020, it is up to the State Government to promulgate state specific regulations of the Rule. “SERCs are vested with power to specify the number of interruptions in power supply. As on date, most of SERCs have not promulgated specific regulations post promulgation of the Electricity Rules,” says Tabrez Malawat, Partner, The Guild, a law firm.
As per Venkatesh many State Electricity Regulatory Commissions (SERCs) such as those in Delhi, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, etc have notified regulations within their Supply Code that specify performance standards.
“As per the electricity act, each DISCOM is mandated to maintain grid discipline so as to not overload the system and cause grid collapse which will lead to loss of supply of power. Thus, the Discoms have to provide 24×7 information and data with its respective Load dispatch centres who regulate the electricity to such DISCOM/states,” says Vidhan Vyas, Founder, Vyas Legal.
Source: Economic Times