GOVERNMENT AMENDS ELECTRICITY (RIGHTS OF CONSUMERS) RULES, 2020

1. In February, 2024 the Ministry of Power has approved amendments to the Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules, 2020, to speed up rooftop solar projects and give consumers more power.
2. These amendments have been made a week after PM launched PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana.

The major amendments made are as follows:

1. Easier Rooftop Solar Setup:

   1. Setting up solar panels on rooftops is now faster and easier.
   2. No need for technical feasibility studies for systems up to 10 kW.
   3. Reduced timeline for feasibility studies above 10 kW.
   4. Distribution companies will cover the costs of strengthening systems up to 5 kW.
   5. Distribution licensees now have 15 days to commission Rooftop Solar PV systems.

2. Dedicated Connection for Electric Vehicles Charging Stations (For the first time)

   1. Consumers can now obtain separate electricity connections specifically for charging electric vehicles. This supports environmental goals like reducing carbon emissions and reaching Net Zero by 2070.

• SDG-7 aims to ensure universal access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy.

3. Speedier Electricity Connections: Reduced timeframes for obtaining new electricity connections

   1. Metropolitan areas: 3 days (previously 7).
   2. Other municipal areas: 7 days (previously 15).
   3. Rural areas: 15 days (previously 30), except for hilly terrain, which remains at 30 days.

4. Enhanced Consumer Rights in Residential Areas:

   1. Residents in shared buildings gain more options in electricity management.
   2. Choice is given between individual connections for one household or shared connections from a single point, for everyone in the locality.
   3. The above decision will be taken in a transparent process with a ballot conducted by Distribution Companies (DISCOMS)
   4. Tariff parity between different connection types.

5. Additional Meters for Complaint Resolution:

   1. Distribution companies mandated to install additional meters within 5 days upon receipt of complaints regarding meter readings.
   2. Additional meters are used for verification over a 3-month period to ensure billing accuracy.

Expected Impact	Advantages
Faster Rooftop Solar Connections	Faster adoption and installation Increased renewable energy generation
Promotion of Electric Vehicle Adoption	Boosted EV adoption Reduced carbon emissions
Enhanced Electricity Accessibility	Quicker connections, especially in rural areas Potential for economic growth
Empowerment of Consumers	Empowered consumers Transparent processes, trust-building
Improved Complaint Resolution	Timely issue resolution Enhanced billing accuracy, consumer trust

What is PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana?

1. In February, 2024 PM launched announced the launch of rooftop solar scheme for free electricity - PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. 
2. The government plans to invest ₹75,000 crores to provide 300 units of free electricity per month to beneficiaries. The scheme aims to light up 1 crore households.
3. Urban Local Bodies and Panchayats will be encouraged to promote rooftop solar systems.
4. The Central Government will ensure no financial strain on the people by providing subsidies directly to their bank accounts and offering low-interest bank loans.

Advantages:

1. Households can save fifteen to eighteen thousand rupees each year with free solar electricity and by selling excess power to distribution companies.
2. It supports the charging of electric vehicles.
3. Many vendors have the chance to start businesses supplying and installing solar systems.
4. Youth with technical skills can find jobs in manufacturing, installation, and maintenance.

Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana (Saubhagya) It was launched in October, 2017 with the objective to achieve universal household electrification throughout the country.  Under this scheme, electricity connection was provided to all willing un-electrified households in rural areas and all willing poor un-electrified households in urban areas. The electrification was carried out by State DISCOMs / Power Departments with funds provided by the Central Government under the Scheme