The Jharkhand State Electricity Regulatory Commission (JSERC) on October 04, 2024, notified the Jharkhand State Electricity Regulatory Commission (Prepaid Smart Metering) Regulations, 2024.
The following has been stated-
•These Regulations shall be applicable to all consumers and Distribution Licensees/Distribution Franchisees engaged in the business of distribution and supply of electricity in the State.
•These Regulations shall extend to the State of Jharkhand.
•These Regulations shall be applicable to all categories of consumers (new and existing consumers).
•The distribution licensee, upon receiving an application from a consumer falling under the category is obligated to facilitate electricity supply through a prepaid smart meter. However, the feasibility of installing such a meter in the designated area must be assessed. This process should align with the stipulations outlined in the Jharkhand State Electricity Regulatory Commission (Electricity Supply Code) Regulations, 2015, and other relevant regulations as amended from time to time.
•In case the existing consumer opts for prepaid connection and the meter under post-paid arrangement is owned by the consumer, the licensee shall replace the existing meter with a new meter (with prepayment facility) at its own cost & shall not return the old meter to the consumer and dispose it off in a manner so as to avoid its misuse. However, for new connection on prepaid mode, the cost of meter shall be borne by the consumer. (exceptions may be provided as per National or State level schemes).
•The provisions of Section 56 of the Act which apply to supply of electricity through post-payment mechanism shall not be applicable to supply through prepaid smart meters.
•For smart meters, the meters shall be read remotely at least once in every month. The data regarding energy consumption shall be made available to the consumer, through various online services i.e. website or mobile App or SMS, etc
[Notification No.104]
