The Punjab State Electricity Regulatory Commission (PSERC), on March 25, 2026, has issued amendments to the Electricity Supply Code, Standards of Performance and Related Matters Regulations, 2024, introducing revised provisions regarding advance payment of electricity bills. These regulations will be applicable to all licensees and consumers in Punjab and shall come into force from April 1, 2026.
The amendment specifically substitutes sub-regulation 16 of Regulation 41, allowing consumers to make advance payments toward future electricity bills. For domestic consumers, the advance must be at least the average bill amount for one billing cycle or ₹5 lakh, whichever is higher, while for other categories, it must be at least the average bill amount or ₹10 lakh, whichever is higher. The distribution licensee will continue issuing regular bills, adjusting the advance amount and reflecting the remaining balance.
Further, the regulation provides for payment of interest on such advance deposits at the State Bank of India’s one-month MCLR as on April 1 of the financial year, minus 1%, subject to a maximum of 7.5%. The interest will be credited either when the advance amount is fully adjusted or on March 31, whichever is earlier.
[Notification No. PSERC/Secy/Regu. 202]
