Under new rules, discoms will pay for power cuts

India has framed rules that would provide consumers access to uninterrupted power supply and compensation from electricity distribution companies in case of any supply disruption.

The rules are the latest initiatives by the Union government to ensure a better deal for consumers. It is also aimed at making discoms, which continue to be plagued by issues such as low tariff collection, increase in power purchase costs, inadequate tariff hikes and subsidy disbursements, and mounting dues from government departments, accountable.

“We are placing the consumer at the centre,” power and new and renewable energy minister Raj Kumar Singh told a press conference on Monday to announce framing of the Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules, 2020.