Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules, 2020: Norms bring in compensation mechanism

The government on Monday notified the Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules, 2020. These rules serve to “empower” consumers with rights that would allow them to access continuous supply of quality, reliable electricity. This is because the provisions make distribution companies more accountable to consumers.

The rules cover 11 key areas of power supply to consumers in the country, including obligations of distribution licensees, metering arrangements, release of new connections and modifications of existing connections and grievance redressal and compensation mechanisms. However, there are certain exceptions to these rules, especially where use for agricultural purposes is concerned.