Watch this video with LawWiser as Vineet Bose, Senior VP – Legal And General Counsel, Nuvoco Vistas Group, takes us through the important aspects of the Electricity (Rights Of Consumers) Rules, 2020.
In this video Vineet has discussed the changes in the legal landscape with the introduction of these rules in December last year. He also compares it with pre-existing legislations such as the Consumer Protection Act. He has also covered some of the technical aspects of the rules such as- the provision of mandatory gross metering for rooftop solar projects. The effect that these rules will have on the industry such as impact on distribution companies in the Roof top-Solar Industry. Further covering how it will impact Employment, Procurement and Construction Developers.
Introduction
Electricity has always been a concern for the people living all across the globe, as electricity is one of the significant resources that we require to sustain our lives in today’s era. With that, in India, Electricity Rules India were introduced to serve the basic needs of people.
Electricity Rules, 2020 and Rights of Consumer
After several rounds of discussion and thoughts, the ministry of power has issued electricity rules 2020 (rights of consumers) to make it easy for the consumers to accessibility of their rights
- New connections- This segment emphasis on the delayed billing and incorrect metering issues that have been there in the news for a very long time.
- Compensation to consumers- As history has been evident that consumers have faced “N” no. of difficulties; the ministry has now clarified that a particular compensation will be provided for the non-supply or interrupted electric supply.
- Online payment of bills- As online transactions have become a trend, bills of over Rs 1000 will be paid online, and consumers will be further incentivized for it.
- Consumer grievance redressal forum- The forums have been introduced for quick solutions to consumers’ problems, with 2-3 representatives of consumers at different levels.
The right of consumers in electricity rules 2020 is a clear indication of the responsibility of the power sellers to ensure seamless power connections for the consumers.
Certain obligations of DISCOM
- DISCOM is authorized to publish a detailed procedure for the grant of connection and other requirements related to the shifting of meters for several purposes.
- DISCOM is also now allowed to check meters within 30 days.
DISCOM is thus evidently responsible for the rights of consumers in the electricity rules, 2020.
The government has also recently launched a new scheme called’ Neighborhood Energy’ to fulfil the necessary needs. This scheme provides money to consumers so that they can save energy. The National grid companies, who are the primary power sellers, have designed it.
It aims to provide electricity to the homes in the neighbourhood and encourage other consumers to save energy.
In a way, the consumers are helped through this scheme as well as the energy providers.
The consumers and the power sellers should work in partnership to improve the environment and improve their efficiency in the electricity sector.
In this way, it will reduce the load on the environment and make it possible to generate more energy for the community.
Electricity suppliers are now using clean energy resources to generate electricity, and this is one reason why consumers are always happy when they hear such news.
The competition between the different suppliers helps to keep prices down to a certain level. However, consumers should check out the deals offered by other suppliers. They should always opt for those plans which are most feasible for them.
Conclusion
Understandably, the rights of consumers under the electricity rules 2020 have been prioritized. However, still, a lot depends upon the successful implementation of the regulations by the authorities.
The consumers and the power sellers should work in partnership to improve the environment and improve their efficiency in the electricity sector.
In this way, it will reduce the load on the environment and make it possible to generate more energy for the community.
Consumers should also keep an eye on the reviews given by other consumers to make the best decision.
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