KERC seeks objections, suggestions on ESR

BENGALURU: The Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) has sought suggestions and objections from consumers and all stakeholders on the draft Electricity Supply Regulations (ESR).

Key points

• Listing some details, KERC Chairman V Ravi Kumar remarked the distribution businesses (ESCOMs) will have to share details of power interruptions and their duration in the bills.
• The state administration order on self attestation in applications by consumers seeking power connections up to 150 KV has been incorporated into this draft, he noted.
• The draft has additionally been prepared after the directions and guidelines laid down by the Ministry of Power and the Central Government's power generation and distribution plan.
• According to KERC authorities, the draft simplifies the methods of obtaining connections, distribution, application for licences and certification.
• Consumers and ESCOMs will no longer have to sign a separate agreement while applying for electricity connections.

According to KERC authorities, the draft simplifies the methods of obtaining connections, distribution, application for licences and certification. It additionally ensures transparency in the entire process. It is essential to ensure professionalism.

Listing some details, KERC Chairman V Ravi Kumar remarked the distribution businesses (ESCOMs) will have to share details of power interruptions and their duration in the bills. This will, nevertheless, be visible only to those having the new smart meters.

Additionally, consumers and ESCOMs will no longer have to sign a separate agreement while applying for electricity connections. It will all be included in one application itself. This will save time and reduce the number of processes involved.

Additionally, the state administration order on self attestation in applications by consumers seeking power connections up to 150 KV has been incorporated into this draft, he noted.

He continued that detailed regulations for the production and distribution of power for all energy businesses have been laid out in the draft.

Notably, the draft has additionally been prepared after the directions and guidelines laid down by the Ministry of Power and the Central Government's power generation and distribution plan. The draft is additionally a compilation of the Conditions for Supply Order of 2006 and the 12 amendments that were issued subsequently.

For context, the draft has additionally listed the directions to be followed by consumers seeking multiple connections in a premises under low tension supply, along with the load details. KERC authorities stated this is essential for residential and smaller commercial establishments. The draft additionally lists in detail the procedures to be followed for electric vehicles and charging stations.

In short, KERC seeks objections, suggestions on ESR is the central thread here, and readers can expect follow-up reporting as the picture becomes clearer.