The Hindu Business Line : SERC issues draft efficiency norms

THE Kerala State Electricity Regulatory Commission (SERC) has issued a draft notification on efficiency standards for power distribution licensees in the State and has specified penalties in case they fail to stick to the standards.

According to the draft, Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) and other power distribution licensees would be required to pay penalties to the customers if complaints are not attended to promptly.

The notification states that a licensee will have to give power connection within 30 days of receiving the application if it does not require the installation of new posts. The applicant will be eligible for a penalty of Rs 50 from the licensee for each subsequent day's delay.

Similarly, supply disruptions in individual connections have to be set right within six hours in urban areas and within 24 hours in rural areas. Otherwise, the licensee will have to pay a penalty of Rs 25 to the customer concerned.

If the disruption is due to breakage in the distribution line, the supply has to be restored within 12 hours in urban areas and 24 hours in rural areas. If the licensee fails to do so, the affected consumers can claim a compensation of Rs 25.

The draft notification further states that transformer problems should be rectified within 24 hours in urban areas and 48 hours in rural areas. The lines should not be switched off for more than 12 hours continuously for repair works. In any case, such planned disruptions should not be taken beyond 6 p.m.

The complaints on voltage fluctuations beyond six per cent on either side should be attended to within seven days if the rectification does call for replacing the supply lines. If the supply lines require strengthening, the licensee can take up to 120 days to set the problem right.

In case high-tension lines are to be drawn or new transformers have to be installed, the licensee will be allowed 240 days. If these timeframes are not adhered to, the licensee will have to pay a penalty of Rs 25 to each of the affected customers.

SERC will give a month's time to the Government, consumers and the power supply licensees to air their suggestions on the draft notification. The final notification will be issued with appropriate changes based on the views received.

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