The Assam Electricity Regulatory Commission was established in February, 2001 under the Electricity Regulatory Commission Act, 1998 (superseded by the Electricity Act, 2003). Function of Assam Electricity Regulatory Commission (AERC) under The Electricity Act, 2003 Functions related to Detail of Functions Determine the Tariff for - a. Supply of electricity by a generating company Tariff to a distribution license: Determination b. Transmission of electricity. c. Wheeling of electricity. [Under Section d. Retail sale of electricity. (U/S) 62 & Regulate electricity purchase and procurement Section 86 of EA 2003] process of distribution licensees including the price at which electricity shall be procured from the generating companies or licensees or from other sources through agreements for purchase of power for distribution and supply within the State. Transmission & Facilitate intra-state transmission and wheeling Wheeling of Electricity of electricity. (U/S 86) Issue licenses - Licensing a. To transmit electricity as a transmission (U/S 14) license. b. To distribute electricity as a distribution licensee. c. To undertake trading in electricity as an electricity trader. Promotion of Co-generation & Generation of Electricity from Renewable Sources (U/S 86) a. To promote electricity from renewable sources of energy. b. To promote electricity from Co-generation. 2
Functions related to Detail of Functions Adjudication (U/S 86) Disputes between the licensees and generating companies. Levy of fees & charges Levy fee for the purpose of this Act. (U/S 86) Speci ication of Grid Specify codes and standards with respect to Code & Standards quality, continuity and reliability of service by of Performance of licenses. licensees a. Guidelines under sub-section 5 of Section 42 Framing & Enforcement of Regulations (U/S 181) Advisory function (U/S 86) b. Electricity Supply Code U/S 50 c. Terms & Conditions of determination of Tariff U/S 61 d. Levy of fees & Charges from Generation Companies & Licensees U/S 32 (3) e. Any other matter which is speci ied in the Act, to be or may be speci ied. To advise the State Govt. on the following matters a. Promotion of competition, ef iciency and economy in activities of the electricity industry. b. Promotion of investment in electricity industry. c. Reorganization and restructuring of electricity industry in the State. d. Matters concerning generation, transmission, distribution and trading of electricity or any other matter referred by the Government. 3
Structure of the Commission AERC is a multi-member Commission and may consist of three members including Chairperson. The present composition of the Commission is as follows: Hon ble Chairperson Shri Naba Kumar Das (IAS, Retd.) Hon ble Member Shri Deepak Chakravarty Hon ble Member Shri Subhash Chandra Das (IAS, Retd.) Appellate Tribunal for Electricity, New Delhi The Appellate Tribunal for Electricity hear appeals against the orders of the adjudicating of icer or the Central and State Commissions under the Electricity Act 2003. The Appellate Tribunal for Electricity (APTEL) consists of a Chairperson and three other members. The present composition of APTEL is as follows: Hon ble Chairperson Mrs. Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai Hon ble Judicial Member Mr. Justice Surendra Kumar Hon ble Technical Member Mr. T. Munikrishnaiah Hon ble Technical Member Mr. I. J. Kapoor 4
How to Lodge a complaint? When you have a grievance regarding your electricity bill or connection, you can take your complaint to the Consumer Grievance Redressal system. You can lodge your complaint at the lowest level and appeal to higher levels if your grievance is not addressed or you are not satisfied. Make sure you quote the Consumer Name, Consumer Number, Bill Number and Electricity Meter Number clearly in your complaint. For more details please see AERC Guidelines for Redressal Consumer Grievance 5
When to approach the CGRF: If there is no settlement within the stipulated time in Level 1 and Level 2 of APDCL. Number of CGRFs: 8 (Eight) Locations: Tezpur, Dibrugarh, Jorhat, Silchar, Rangia, Bongaigaon, Nagaon and Guwahati. Addresses of CGRFs: Please see next page When to approach the Electricity Ombudsman (EO): (I) If aggrieved due to non-redressal of grievance by CGRF, APDCL within 30 days or (II) If not satisfied with the decision of the CGRF, APDCL. A consumer must approach the Electricity Ombudsman (EO) only after first approaching the CGRF of APDCL. Present Electricity Ombudsman (EO): Shri Rajib Lochan Duarah, IAS (Retd). Address of Electricity Ombudsman (EO): The Electricity Ombudsman, O/o The Assam Electricity Regulatory Commission, ASEB Campus, Sixmile, Guwahati-22, Assam. For details, please visit: www.aerc.gov.in, Phone: (0361) 2234442 6
Consumer Grievance Redressal Forums under APDCL Sl. Name of CGRF No. 1. Consumer Grievance Redressal Forum, Dibrugarh 2. Consumer Grievance Redressal Forum, Jorhat 3. Consumer Grievance Redressal Forum, Nagaon 4. Consumer Grievance Redressal Forum, Tezpur 5. Consumer Grievance Redressal Forum, Hill and Barak Valley 6. Consumer Grievance Redressal Forum, Bongaigaon 7. Consumer Grievance Redressal Forum, Guwahati Jurisdiction of the CGRF Dibrugarh and Tinsukia District Jorhat, Sibsagar and Golaghat District Nagaon, Morigaon and Karbi Anglong District 7 Address of the CGRF Of ice of the General Manager, Dibrugarh Zone, APDCL, Niz Kadamoni, Dibrugarh-786001 Of ice of the General Manager, Jorhat Zone, APDCL, Bidyut Bhawan, Na Ali, Jorhat- -785001 Of ice of the General Manager, Nagaon Zone, APDCL, Sankar Mission Road (near Power House), Nagaon-782001 Sonitpur, Of ice of the General Dhemaji and Manager, Tezpur Zone, North Lakhimpur APDCL, Tribeni Chowk, District Tezpur-784001 Cachar, Karimganj, Hailakandi and North Cachar (Dima Hasao) District Of ice of the General Manager, Silchar Zone, APDCL, Radhamadhav Road (near Shani Mandir), Bilpar, Silchar-788005 Barpeta, Of ice of the General Bongaigaon, Manager, Bongaigaon Kokrajhar, Zone, APDCL, Dolaigaon, Dhubri, Goalpara P.O.: Bongaigaon (ASEB & Chirang District Complex), PIN-783380 Kamrup (Metro) and Kamrup District Of ice of the General Manager, Guwahati Zone, APDCL, ASEB Campus, Six Mile, Guwahati-781022 8. Consumer Grievance Nalbari, Baska and Presently functioning Redressal Forum, Rangia Darrang District from CGRF, Guwahati Members of CGRF: Every CGRF consist of a chairperson and 2 members and one member is from a Consumer Association/NGO actively engaged in protecting the interests of electricity consumers.
Nature of Service / Standards Noti ied service standards for Consumers of Electricity Guaranteed Standards- Maximum time limit for rendering service Compensation payable to affected person 1. Fuse-off / Fault Calls: Cities/Towns 4 working hours ` 5/- per consumer for every hour delay beyond 4 working hours subject to maximum ` 50/- per consumer per day. Rural Areas 24 hours ` 20/- per consumer per day beyond one day subject to maximum ` 50/- per 2. Line Breakdowns: Cities/Towns i) Where replacement of pole is not required: 24 Hrs. ii) Where replacement of pole is required: 48 Hrs. ` 10/- per consumer per day for delay beyond one day, if the number of affected consumers are less than 50, and ` 5/- per consumer per day for affected consumers 50 or more subject to maximum ` 50/- per ` 10/- per consumer per day for delay beyond 48 hours, if the number of affected consumers are less than 50, and ` 5/- per consumer per day for affected consumers 50 or more subject to maximum ` 50/- per 8
Nature of Service / Standards Rural Areas Guaranteed Standards- Maximum time limit for rendering service i) Where replacement of pole is not required: 24 Hrs. ii) Where replacement of pole is required: 72 Hrs. Compensation payable to affected person ` 5/- per consumer per day for delay beyond one day subject to maximum ` 50/- per ` 5/- per consumer per day for delay beyond three days subject to maximum ` 50/- per 3. Replacement of failed Distribution Transformer: Cities/ Towns 1 day ` 20/- per consumer/day for delay beyond 1 day subject to maximum ` 100/- per Rural Areas 5 days ` 10/- per consumer/day for delay beyond 5 days subject to maximum ` 100/- per 4. Replacement of damaged service line: Require 3 days from the date of replacement deposit of cost of servicewire by the at consumer s cost (fault in consumer s installation) Require replacement at licensee s cost (normal wear & tear) 3 days from the date of receipt of complaint. ` 20/- per day for delay beyond 3 days subject to maximum ` 100/- per ` 10/- per day for delay beyond 3 days subject to maximum ` 50/- per 5. Complaints about meters LT Consumers Testing, Checking & Calibration for Correctness of Meter 9
Nature of Service / Standards Urban Area Rural Area Guaranteed Standards- Maximum time limit for rendering service 7 days from lodging of complaint 15 days from lodging of complaint. Compensation payable to affected person ` 50/- per day for delay beyond 7 days subject to maximum ` 200/- per ` 50/- per day for delay beyond 15 days subject to maximum ` 200/- per Defective / Stopped / Burnt Meter Replacement Urban Area Replacement 7 days ` 50/- per day for delay not beyond speci ied period attributable subject to maximum ` 200/- to consumer per Where the cost of the meter is recoverable from the Where the consumer is required to supply the metering equipment. Rural Area Replacement not attributable to consumer 15 days after the receipt of payment. 15 days after supply of metering equipment. ` 50/- per day for delay beyond speci ied period subject to maximum ` 200/- per ` 50/- per day for delay beyond speci ied period subject to maximum ` 200/- per 15 days ` 50/- per day for delay beyond speci ied period subject to maximum ` 200/- per 10
Nature of Service / Standards Where the cost of the meter is recoverable from the consumer Guaranteed Standards- Maximum time limit for rendering service 30 days after the receipt of payment. H.T. Consumers Replacement Within 7 days after receipt of stopped of complaint provided / defective meter is available with meter or Licensee, otherwise within related 3 months in any case. equipments Where the cost of the meter is recoverable from the Where the consumer is required to supply the meter / equipment Within 15 days after receipt of complaint provided meter is available with Licensee, otherwise within 3 months in any case. 30 days after delivery of metering equipment to Licensee s of ice. Compensation payable to affected person ` 50/- per day for delay beyond speci ied period subject to maximum ` 200/- per ` 200/- per day for delay beyond speci ied period subject to maximum ` 2000/- per ` 200/- per day for delay beyond speci ied period subject to maximum ` 2000/- per ` 200/- per day for delay beyond speci ied period subject to maximum ` 2000/- per Complaints about consumer s bills Urban Area 3 days ` 5/- per consumer per day delay subject to maximum ` 50/-. Rural Area 7 days ` 5/- per consumer per day delay subject to maximum ` 50/-. 11
Issues relating to Disconnection / Reconnection of supply Disconnection due to nonpayment of dues by the Consumer Reconnection after payment a) Urban areas b) Rural areas APDCL to give 15 days notice to pay the dues and if not paid, APDCL may disconnect the consumer s installation on expiry of the notice period 24 hours 48 hours The Consumers may view and pay their bills through APDCL website: www. apdcl.gov.in Non- payment of bills within due date may attract a late payment surcharge of 1.5% on the due amount. Noti ied time frame for release of new LT Connection, Enhancement and reduction of loads Time limits speci ied for Type of Service supply of Electricity after the date of receipt of complete application (No. of Days) L. T. Connection Urban Rural i. If extension work is not required 30 36 and the connection is to be given from the existing network ii. If extension of line required 67 74 iii. If installation of new transformer 90 107 / enhancement of transformer capacity required iv. Agriculture Connection (if extension of LT line or installation / enhancement of transformer capacity required) a) With approachable road 107 b) Without approachable Road 127 Note: In the above time frames 7 days are stipulated for the time taken by a consumer to make payment after receipt of the demand note. The time limit will automatically increase corresponding to delays in payment beyond 7 days. 12
Electricity Saving Tips Electricity prices are rising and utility bills are getting ugly. Fight back with these electricity saving tips, and reduce your electrical bills.. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Make use of sunlight to the extent possible for good lighting of the house during the day time. To reduce the effect of heat during summer, plant trees/ shrubs around the house. Replace standard bulbs with CFLs/ LEDs. Compact luorescent light and Light Emitting Diode bulbs are more energy-ef icient than regular bulbs, while giving off the same amount of light. Use the right bulb. Make sure you re using the appropriate CFL/ LED bulb for your light ixture they come in various sizes and types for different lighting needs. Use ceiling fans to cool off for less. Ceiling fans use no more electricity than a standard light bulb. However, be sure to turn fans off when you leave they are meant to only cool people, not rooms. Close your exterior doors and windows tightly when the AC is on. Clean your AC s air ilters at least once a month to keep your system running at peak performance. Choose energy-ef icient appliances. They don t just save you money, but they re good for the environment because they use less energy. Run your washing machines and dry your clothes at full load. Fridges and freezers operate more ef iciently when they are full but not overloaded. 10. Unplug unused appliances (TV, computers, etc) or switch them off at the wall. Even standby mode uses energy. Unplug battery chargers when the batteries are fully charged or the 11. chargers are not in use. Many chargers draw power continuously, even when the device is not plugged into the charger. 13
Electrical Safety tips It s essential to ensure that any electrical appliance you purchase is of good quality/isi marked. Unplug unused appliances and put away cords safely out of reach of pets, young children. Do not overload circuits. Appliances that generate heat, such as televisions, refrigerators and computer monitors, should be given several inches of clearance all around for good air circulation and cooling. Always follow appliance instructions carefully and do not attempt amateur repairs or upgrades. Always have a quali ied electrician perform any electrical work, Replace damaged or frayed cords. Do not plant trees where they will grow into power lines. Stay away from downed power lines, fallen or sagging electric wires, especially after storms. Never ly kites near overhead power lines. Keep all electrical appliances away from water such as sinks, bathtubs, pools or overhead vents that may drip. Do not operate any electrical appliance with wet hands or while standing in water. Never step into a looded basement or other room if water may be in contact with electrical outlets, appliances or cords. Never attempt to turn off power at the breaker box if you must stand in water to do so. If you can t reach your breaker box safely, call your electric utility to shut off power at the meter. If an electrical appliance has been in contact with water, have a professional check it out before it is used. It may need to be repaired or replaced. Always use three pin plugs the third pin is meant to prevent electric shock. Get your electrical installation and earthing tested by licensed electrical contractor/supervisor at regular intervals. BE ELECTRICITY SAFE NOT SORRY 14
Auto mode display parameters of Single Phase Meters with legends L&T GENUS SECURE Sl. No. Sl. No. Sl. No. 1 Serial Number 1 LCD Segment 1 LCD Segment 2 LCD Segment 2 Time 2 Time 3 Time 3 Date 3 Date En 4 Date 4 Active Energy T2 KWh 4 Active Energy Cu KWh 00000.0 5 Bill KWh (Active Energy) 6 Bill KVAh (Apparent Energy) 1B En KWH 5 Apparent Energy T2 KVAh 5 Apparent Energy 1B KVAH 6 Bill KWh (Active Energy) 7 Voltage 000.00V 7 Bill KVAh (Apparent Energy) 8 Instantaneous Load 9 Bill MD (Maximum Demand) 10 Bill Power Factor 00.00 KW 8 Instantaneous Load 00.00 1B KW MD 9 Bill MD (Maximum Demand) in KW PF 0.00 1B 10 Bill MD (Maximum Demand) in KVA b1 T2 BP kwh 6 Bill KWh (Active Energy) b1 T2 BP kvah 7 Bill KVAh (Apparent Energy) Ld T2 KW 8 Bill Power Factor b1 T2 BP MD kw b1 T2 BP MD kva 9 Instantaneous Load Cu KVAh 00000.0 H1 KWh 00000.0 H1 KVAh 00000.0 H1PF 0.000 P 0 KW 00.00 10 nodata T2 C 11 Active Energy 00000.0 11 BP 0000 11 u1nodata KWh Ct 12 12 12 bl 0008 15
Disclaimer - The Charter of Services for electricity consumers is subject to revision as per changes in Regulations from time to time. For more details and latest updates, please refer to AERC website: www.aerc.gov.in 16 Design & production: Exclusive Advertising Pvt. Ltd.