Bihar: Electricity consumers in Bihar are set to benefit from a new regulation aimed at curbing delays and inefficiencies in power connections across the state. Under a directive issued by the Bihar Electricity Regulatory Commission (BERC), distribution companies will now be legally bound to provide new electricity connections within a fixed time frame or face financial penalties.
The revised guidelines mandate that power connections must be completed within three days in metropolitan areas, seven days in municipal corporation zones, and no more than 15 days in rural regions. Failure to comply will result in a fine of ₹1,000 per day levied against the defaulting distribution company.
The move follows a petition filed last year by Bihar State Power Holding Company Limited, which proposed the eighth amendment to the Bihar Electricity Supply Code, 2007, with the aim of improving service delivery to the public. In response, the commission issued a public notice, inviting feedback from citizens, organisations and NGOs. The suggestions received during the public hearing were reviewed and factored into the final decision.
As part of the overhaul, the application process for services such as new connections, transfers or changes in load capacity will be made available both online and offline. BERC has announced plans to launch a dedicated web portal and mobile application, allowing consumers to apply, receive instant registration numbers, and track the status of their requests digitally. Offline applications will be uploaded to the system within 24 hours and assigned a registration number.
The new rules are expected to streamline electricity service delivery in Bihar and introduce a layer of accountability for power distributors, offering long-awaited relief to consumers who have faced delays and uncertainty in the past.
