The Tripura Electricity Regulatory Commission (TERC) has issued the third amendment to the Tripura Electricity Regulatory Commission (Electricity Supply Code) Regulations, 2011.

The amended regulations aim to incorporate the Indian government’s Ease of Living directives for consumers. They also address specific operational and regulatory requirements raised by the Tripura State Electricity Corporation (TSECL) and Tripura Renewable Energy Development Agency (TREDA).

The Ease of Living directives aim to reduce timelines for new connections, simplify rooftop solar installation, enable consumer choice in flats, ensure transparent billing, and mandate meter installations for compliance verification.

Contracted Load-Based Supply

The latest amendments revise the supply voltage levels based on contracted load as follows:

 

Service Connection Charges

The amendments clarify that consumers must pay service charges for new electricity connections. Distribution companies (DISCOMs) will set connection charges based on load, category, and average connection cost in electrified areas with approved or contracted loads of up to 150 kW.

These charges must be paid at the time of application and apply to loads of up to 150 kW.

Scheduling Inspection

The amended regulations mandate that DISCOMs set inspection times for consumers’ premises after they apply for a new connection. The DISCOMs must inform the consumers of these timings.

No field connection will be required for new connections with a sanctioned load of up to 150 kW.

Demand Note

The amendments update the time limits for DISCOMs to issue demand notes after receiving consumer applications.

Demand notes for high-tension (HT) connections in Class-I cities and urban areas must be issued within 15 working days, and in rural areas within 20 working days.

For extra-high-tension (EHT) connections, demand notes must be issued within 30 working days in all areas.

Flexibility of Work

Applicants can undertake certain connection-related works themselves. This is subject to work to be completed under the supervision of the DISCOM’s authorized official. Consumers must complete the work using authorized contractors and standard materials in compliance with technical specifications. They must submit the documents and certifications to confirm that the work meets regulatory and safety standards.

New Connections Timeline

The timeline for releasing new electricity connections is as follows:

Temporary Connections

The amendments state that a temporary electricity connection will be granted for the exact period requested by the applicant. If the applicant needs electricity beyond the originally approved period, they must apply for an extension.

Connection Through Independent Feeder

The amended regulations mandate metering at the substation for HT and EHT connections through independent feeders, instead of at the consumer’s premises.

The meters installed at DISCOM substations will be treated as the official meters for billing purposes.

Load Factor

The load factor per consumer category is as follows:

Last November, TERC issued the first amendment of the TERC (The Grid Interactive Solar Rooftop Photovoltaic System under Gross/Net Metering) Regulation, 2024.

Subscribe to Mercom’s real-time Regulatory Updates to ensure you don’t miss any critical updates from the renewable sector.