Patna: North Bihar Power Distribution Company Limited (NBPDCL) and South Bihar Power Distribution Company Limited (SBPDCL) have fixed service connection charges for new electricity connections up to 150 kW, following directives issued by the Bihar Electricity Regulatory Commission (BERC).
The new system covers LT single-phase, LT three-phase and HT connections up to 150 kW in electrified areas. The distribution companies said the fixed charges will allow consumers to know the connection cost at the time of application.
Fixed Charges For New Connections
For LT single-phase connections up to 7 kW, the charge is Rs 900 per kW for loads up to 3 kW. For loads above 3 kW, the charge will be Rs 2,700 plus Rs 1,000 for every additional kW.
For LT three-phase connections of 5 to 19 kW, consumers will pay Rs 4,500 for loads up to 5 kW. For higher loads, the charge will be Rs 4,500 plus Rs 1,500 for every additional kW.
For LT three-phase connections of 20 to 44 kW, the charge is Rs 21,000 for loads up to 20 kW. For loads above 20 kW, consumers will pay Rs 21,000 plus Rs 2,000 for every additional kW.
For HT connections from 45 to 150 kW, the service connection charge has been fixed at Rs 7,000 per kW.
Infrastructure To Be Provided Up To Meter
The distribution companies said that after payment of the applicable service connection charge, the required electrical infrastructure, including service wires, will be installed up to the electricity meter or point of supply, as per technical requirements.
NBPDCL and SBPDCL have issued instructions to their electricity supply zones, divisions and sub-divisions to ensure compliance with BERC provisions while processing new connection applications.
Zone-wise agencies have also been selected to facilitate the provision of new electricity connections.
Aim To Improve Transparency
The distribution companies said the fixed-charge system is intended to make the process of obtaining new connections clearer and more transparent.
With charges determined in advance, consumers will be able to know the applicable cost before obtaining a connection and avoid uncertainty over service connection expenses, the companies said.
