Rajasthan amends Supply Code on dues recovery, reconnection timelines and connection charges

On December 19, 2025, the Rajasthan Electricity Regulatory Commission (RERC) finalized and issued its Order for the (Electricity Supply Code and Connected Matters) (Second Amendment) Regulations, 2025, following a suo-motu proceeding (No. 2358/2025) that incorporated stakeholder consultations and public hearings. The amendments primarily address the recovery of outstanding electricity dues, timelines for the restoration of disconnected connections, and a revised structure for connection charges, with the stated objective of aligning regulations with judicial interpretation and enhancing operational clarity for distribution licensees and consumers.

The Commission has amended Regulation 11.7(d) concerning the recovery of dues from permanently disconnected connections. The revised clause now permits a distribution licensee to recover outstanding dues from another existing or new connection in the name of the “Owner/Occupier” of the premises, rather than solely in the name of the same person. This amendment follows the Supreme Court’s judgment in K.C. Ninan vs. Kerala State Electricity Board, dated May 19, 2023. The Commission noted that this judicial ruling “held that electricity dues are a charge on the premises and not merely on the consumer,” thereby necessitating the regulatory change to facilitate recovery when consumers relocate and leave dues unpaid. The amendment retains procedural safeguards, including a mandatory 30-day notice, an opportunity for a personal hearing, and the issuance of a speaking order before any recovery or disconnection action.

Regarding the restoration of supply after disconnection, the Commission has extended the permissible application periods under Regulation 11.8. For HT/EHT consumers, the period is now two years from the date of disconnection, increased from one year, while for other consumers (excluding agriculture), the period is five years, increased from two years. Applications for agricultural consumer restoration continue to be governed by the State Agriculture Policy. A significant proviso was added, stating that an applicant will be considered a new consumer if they apply for reconnection after one year (for HT/EHT) or two years (for other consumers) from the disconnection date, but only “if line material is removed by the licensee and has to bear the cost of line and plant.” The Discoms justified this provision on operational and safety grounds, citing risks of theft and the impracticality of maintaining idle service lines for extended periods.

A major change is introduced through the addition of a new Clause 2A in Schedule-I, establishing a simplified framework for connection charges for loads up to 150 kW. The clause applies to domestic and non-domestic applicants whose premises are within 300 meters, and industrial/mixed load applicants within 200 meters, of an available 24-hour three-phase LT network. The charges are prescribed on a per-kilowatt basis, differentiated by consumer category (Domestic, Non-Domestic, Public Street Lighting, and various industrial classifications), and type of line (overhead or underground). The Commission stated that this methodology, proposed “in view of Right to Consumer Rules, 2020 for simplification of connection charges,” aims to avoid individual site inspections and estimations for each case, thereby easing the process of obtaining a connection. The existing provisions under Schedule-I, 2.1(a) will continue to apply for connections beyond the specified distance limits.

The finalized regulations incorporate several clarifications and rejections of stakeholder suggestions. The Commission declined to extend the base service line distance limits to 500 or 1000 meters, as requested by some stakeholders, noting that the per-kW charge already accounted for average costs based on updated store issue rates. It also upheld the exemption of connection charges for colonies developed by private developers, multistorey buildings, and private industrial areas, affirming that the full electrification cost in such cases is borne by the developer under existing policy. The regulations will come into force upon their publication in the Official Gazette.

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