THE

JHARKHAND GAZETTE

EXTRAORDINARY

PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY

4 AASHWIN 1946 (S)

RANCHI THURSDAY 26^thSEPTEMBER, 2024

JHARKHAND STATE ELECTRICITY REGULATORY

COMMISSION

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Notification

23^rd September, 2024

Jharkhand State Electricity Regulatory Commission (Prepaid Smart Metering)

Regulations, 2024

Notification No. 104--In exercise of powers conferred under Section 61,86 and

section181 of the Electricity Act, 2003 and all other powers enabling it in that behalf,

the Jharkhand State Electricity Regulatory Commission, hereby makes the following

Regulations.

1. Short Title and Commencement

1.1.

These Regulations may be called the Jharkhand State Electricity Regulatory

Commission (Prepaid Smart Metering) Regulations, 2024.

1.2.

These Regulations shall come into force from the date of their publication in

the Jharkhand State Government Gazette.

No. 616

Jharkhand Gazette (Extraordinary), Thursday, 26^th September, 2024

2. Scope and Extent of Application

2.1.

These Regulations shall be applicable to all consumers and Distribution

Licensees/Distribution Franchisees engaged in the business of distribution

and supply of electricity in the State.

2.2.

These Regulations shall extend to the State of Jharkhand.

3. Definitions and Interpretation

3.1.

In this Regulation unless the context otherwise requires:

a) ‘Act’ means the Electricity Act, 2003 read in conjunction with its latest

revisions;

b) ‘Consumer Security Deposit’ means deposit prescribed to cover the

estimated power consumption charges for post-paid metering connection as

defined in JSERC (Electricity Supply Code) Regulations,2015 and its

amendments thereof.

c) ‘Advance Metering Infrastructure (AMI)’ means an integrated system of

smart meters, communication networks and data management systems

that enables two-way communication between the utilities and energy

meters, and the functional blocks of Advanced Metering Infrastructure,

typically includes Head end system, Wide area network, Neighbourhood

area network, Data concentrator unit and Home area network.

d) ‘Agreement’means a written agreement with specific terms entered into by

the Distribution licensee and the consumer;

e) ‘Area of supply’ means the area within which a licensee is authorized to

supply electricity and shall include such areas where a franchisee(s) may

be deployed.

f) ‘Commission’

means

the

Jharkhand

State

Electricity

Regulatory

Commission.

g) ‘Contract Demand’means demand in Kilowatt (kW) or Kilo Volt amperes

(kVA) as mutually agreed between the Distribution Licensee and the

consumer and as entered into agreement or agreed through other written

communication.

h) ‘Consumption Charges’means charges payable for the consumption of

electrical energy in kWh/kVAh multiplied by appropriate tariff rates, along

with Demand /Fixed charges, Fuel Surcharge Adjustment (FSA) and

customer and other charges etc, wherever applicable.

i) ‘Disconnection’means the physical separation of user or consumer from

the system.

j) ‘Distribution Licensee’ means a licensee authorized to operate and

maintain a distribution system for supplying electricity to the consumers in

his area of supply and includes his authorized representative.

Jharkhand Gazette (Extraordinary), Thursday, 26^th September, 2024

k) ‘Maximum demand’means the highest load measured in average kVA or

kW at the point of supply of a consumer during any consecutive period of

30 (thirty) minutes or as specified by the Commission, during the billing

period;

l) ‘Meter’means an equipment used for measuring, indicating and recording

electrical quantities like energy in kWh or kVAh, maximum demand in kW

or kVA, reactive energy in kVAR hours etc. including accessories like

Current

Transformer

(CT),

Voltage

Transformer

(VT)

Potential

Transformer (PT) / Capacitor Voltage Transformer (CVT) etc. where used in

conjunction with such meter. It shall also include any seal or sealing

arrangement and other measures provided by the Distribution Licensee for

sealing, reliability and for preventing theft/unauthorised use of electricity;

m) ‘Minimum Charge’means charges as approved by the Commission in the

prevailing tariff order for the Distribution Licensee;

n) ‘Prepaid/Prepayment Meter’ means a smart meter conforming to relevant

IS which facilitates use of electricity only after advance payment.

o) ‘Sanctioned Load’means the load in kW, kVA or BHP, which the

Distribution Licensee has agreed to supply from time to time subject to the

governing terms and conditions in the absence of an Agreement between

the Distribution licensee and the consumer.

p) ‘Smart meter’ means an ac static watt-hour meter with time of use

registers, internal connect and disconnect switches with two-way

communication capability. It is designed to measure the flow of forward

(import) or both forward (import) and reverse (export), store and

communicate the same along with other parameters defined in relevant

standard. It shall be remotely accessed for collecting data/events,

programming for select parameters that is to be provided by the

distribution utility for supplying electricity to a premises.

q) ‘Tariff’ means a schedule of prices or charges including fixed charges and

monthly minimum charges for supply of electrical energy and services as

approved by the Commission, which are applicable to all such services

provided to the consumers by the licensee.

r) ‘User’ means any person having electrical interface with, or using the

distribution system of the Distribution Licensee to whom these Regulations

is applicable.

3.2.

Words and expressions used in these Regulations and not defined herein but

defined in the Act shall have the meanings respectively assigned to them in the

Act.

3.3.

All other words and expressions used herein but not specifically defined in

these Regulations or in the Act but defined under any law passed by the

Parliament/State Legislation applicable to the electricity industry in the State

shall have the meaning assigned to them in such law.

Jharkhand Gazette (Extraordinary), Thursday, 26^th September, 2024

4. Applicability

4.1.

These Regulations shall be applicable to all categories of consumers (new and

existing consumers).

4.2.

The distribution licensee, upon receiving an application from a consumer

falling under the category mentioned in clause 4.1, is obligated to facilitate

electricity supply through a prepaid smart meter. However, the feasibility of

installing such a meter in the designated area must be assessed. This process

should align with the stipulations outlined in the Jharkhand State Electricity

Regulatory Commission (Electricity Supply Code) Regulations, 2015, and other

relevant regulations as amended from time to time.

4.3.

In case the existing consumer opts for prepaid connection and the meter under

post-paid arrangement is owned by the consumer, the licensee shall replace

the existing meter with a new meter (with prepayment facility) at its own cost &

shall not return the old meter to the consumer and dispose it off in a manner

so as to avoid its misuse. However, for new connection on prepaid mode, the

cost of meter shall be borne by the consumer. (exceptions may be provided as

per National or State level schemes).

4.4.

The provisions of Section 56 of the Act which apply to supply of electricity

through post-payment mechanism shall not be applicable to supply through

prepaid smart meters.

4.5.

For smart meters, the meters shall be read remotely at least once in every

month. The data regarding energy consumption shall be made available to the

consumer, through various online services i.e. website or mobile App or SMS,

etc

5. Migration to Prepaid Smart Meter and New Connection

5.1.

Migration from post-paid to prepaid and new connection on prepaid shall be as

per the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) decided by the licensee and the

methodology adopted in JSERC (Electricity Supply Code) Regulations,2015 and

its subsequent amendments.

6. Rebate for prepaid smart meter

6.1.

Rebate, if applicable, for consumers utilizing electricity through prepaid smart

meters will be in accordance with the provisions outlined in the latest Tariff

Order approved by the Commission from time to time.

7. Consumer Security Deposit

7.1.

In case of new connection with prepaid smart meter, the distribution licensee

shall not require any security, in pursuance of clause (a) of sub section (1) and

sub section (5) of Section 47 of the Electricity Act, 2003. The consumer shall

not be required to deposit any advance consumption deposit as part of

security.

7.2.

Provided further that for existing consumer (post-paid connection) shifting to

smart prepaid metering arrangement, the advance consumption deposit which

has been deposited with the licensee shall be adjusted against the last bill

including arrears if any and the balance if any payable to/by the consumer

shall be adjusted as per the arrear adjustment methodology already in force.

Jharkhand Gazette (Extraordinary), Thursday, 26^th September, 2024

7.3.

For example, for consumers porting to prepaid arrangement from post-paid

regime following methodology shall be used:

a) The Security deposit along with the accrued interest till date will be

adjusted against the arrear amount including the latest bill of the

consumer.

b) If the security deposit amount remains after adjusting as per Sl no.(a) the

amount will automatically be considered as starting balance of the

consumer.

c) If the remaining security deposit amount is higher than the minimum

recharge amount of Rs.200 then the consumer shall not have to do any

additional recharge at the time of porting.

d) If the remaining security deposit amount is lower than the minimum

recharge amount of Rs.200 then the consumer shall have to do a

minimum recharge upto the minimum recharge to activate the pre-paid

connection.

8. Metering:

8.1.

The distribution licensee is responsible for ensuring the availability of prepaid

smart meters for new connections and replacing defective meters in areas

where prepaid smart metering is implemented. Additionally, the licensee must

ensure that the prepaid smart meters are tested and certified according to the

relevant Indian Standard, subject to amendments over time.

8.2.

The licensee/consumers are required to install prepaid smart meters that

adhere

the

technical

specifications

outlined

the

relevant

standards/regulations and guidelines of the Central Electricity Authority

(CEA), subject to amendments. The Commission-determined applicable charges

will be deducted on a daily basis from the consumer's recharge amount. In

instances where smart prepaid meters faces communication issues, the daily

energy charge will be calculated based on the estimated daily consumption

derived from the average of the last seven days' recorded consumption. The

prepaid balance will be promptly updated upon retrieving actual consumption

readings from the prepaid smart meter.

8.3.

The prepaid smart metering system should incorporate features allowing

consumers to recharge their account credits through various online recharge

modes provided by the distribution licensee in real-time. The prepaid smart

metering system shall also send notification/alert to the consumer on

registered mobile phone in case of minimum/low credit (negative balance).

8.4.

The meter shall be communicative and compatible with AMI applications.

Provided further that the meter shall have adequate number of registers and

the facility for Time of Day (TOD) and kVAh based tariff application.

8.5.

Consumers can recharge their prepaid smart meter account as needed, with

the recharge amount available in multiples of Rs. 200/-.The distribution

companies (DISCOMs) will offer various multi-recharge facilities/options to

facilitate this process. Notably, there is no maximum limit imposed on the

recharge amount, allowing consumers to top up their prepaid smart meter

accounts based on their individual requirements.

Jharkhand Gazette (Extraordinary), Thursday, 26^th September, 2024

8.6.

The Consumer should maintain minimum balance to be decided prudently by

the licensee for different category of consumers on the basis of connected load.

Pre-Paid balance will be updated against daily midnight consumption recorded

on 00:00 hours; as and when the consumer’s account balance goes low, the

recharge/alert notification to the consumers shall be initiated at least at 3

stages of low balance. In case, the consumer fails to recharge his prepaid meter

account and his balance runs out, the meter shall cut off the supply of the

consumer.The stages of low balance to send the notifications shall be in

accordance to the guidelines/SOP decided by the Discom.

8.7.

The AMI application should initiate auto reconnection after successful

recharge of the meter so that the connection is restored immediately (applicable

only during the period of temporary disconnection).

Explanation: The Consumer shall be notified at least at three stages of low

balance in descending intervals of 5% starting from 20% of minimum charges.

8.8.

The prepaid billing system by the licensee shall have the provision for ensuring

recovery

monthly

minimum

charges/fixedcharges/

consumption

charges/Fuel power purchase adjustment surcharge or any other charge, if

applicable, as per the applicable tariff schedule and balance shall be updated

on the date of monthly billing (date as decided by the licensee). The software

solution of the licensee shall be capable of implementing the tariff as per tariff

order approved by the Commission from time to time. The Software solution of

the licensee must also have provision to record total duration of supply

including duration of interruption of supply during the day.

8.9.

8.10. Smart meter temporary disconnection process:

a) The energy and fixed charge/monthly minimum charge calculation of

consumers shall take place on a daily basis on the applicable tariff of that

particular consumer.

b) In case, the consumer fails to recharge his/her prepaid meter account and

his balance runs out to zero, the meter shall disconnect the supply of the

consumer.

c) Disconnection process shall be scheduled only between 6 AM to 6 PM of any

particular day. However, disconnection shall not be initiated on Sunday and

Gazetted Holidaysto avoid discomfort to consumer till such time the

reconnection on real time basis is implemented by the licensee.

d) Disconnection on low balance shall be deemed to be temporary

disconnection.

e) Post disconnection, consumers shall be notified through SMS about the

same along with the details of zero/negative balance amount.

f) In case of temporary disconnection, the consumer can recharge the meter

and restore the electricity supply without any additional cost or penalty.

8.11. The Consumers can recharge his/her prepaid meter account online through

mobile application, web application or digital payment systems such as e-

wallet, UPI, web portal etc. facilities to be provided by the licensee. Apart from

this the Licensee should also have provisions for meter recharge at designated

customer billing/helpdesk centres.

8.12. AMI application should initiate auto reconnection after successful recharge of

the meter.

Jharkhand Gazette (Extraordinary), Thursday, 26^th September, 2024

9. Consumer data protection and Security:

9.1.

Consumer Data Protection as per CEA guidelines, Information Technology Act

2000 or any other GoI guidelines/regulation in force should be incorporated

and ensured from time to time by the licensee.

10. Arrear adjustment methodology

10.1. The arrears, if any, shall be first adjusted against the Consumer Security

Deposit lying with the licensee.

10.2. The consumer can only be allowed to shift to prepaid mode from post-paid

mode if all arrears are paid or adjusted from consumer security deposit. There

should not be any previous arrears before switching to prepaid mode.

10.3. For conversion from post-paid to prepaid connection the discom may analyze

the overall arrears of the consumer and for the consumer with arrears shall be

provided with an instalment facility to repay the amount as follows:

a) The balance arrear amount shall be spread in 5(five) equal monthly

instalments by default.

b) The consumer shall have the option to choose the facility from minimum

1(one) to maximum 5(five) equal monthly instalments

10.4. For prepaid consumer, in case of any revision in consumer account due to any

demand(arrear) /refund discovered at later stage including by Audit or else, the

revised billing account notice is to be sent to consumer on mobile

app/SMS/email etc. in advance at least 15 days prior to its actual

implementation date in prepaid billing system by the licensee. After 15 days of

notice, the amount of arrears or refund (if any) payable by/to consumer shall

be adjusted to pre-paid balance of consumer in following manner:

Complete Refund amount be added in pre-paid balance.

ii.

Arrears should be added in pre-paid balance as per the prevailing

arrear adjustment methodology. Provided that licensee is required to

complete the exercise of audit of relevant consumer’s account within 6

months from the date of consumer switching over from post-paid to

prepaid facility.

11. Physical Disconnection

11.1. In case, the consumer does not recharge his/her account after temporary

disconnection as elaborated in clause 8.8, the account may reach negative

balance on account of applicability of Monthly Minimum Charges or any other

similar charge as decided by the Commission, even if there is no electricity

consumption by the consumer.

11.2. The notification/ alert shall be considered as notice for recharging the account

& licensee may disconnect the supply on failure to recharge the account by

consumer without any further notice.

Jharkhand Gazette (Extraordinary), Thursday, 26^th September, 2024

11.3. The temporary disconnection can be restored within 6 months only after

recharging with an amount sufficient to recover the monthly minimum

charges/fixed charges or any other charges decided by the Commission even if

there is no consumption by the consumer during temporary disconnection.

11.4. The connection shall be disconnected permanently, and the meter shall be

physically removed from the consumer premises if the consumer fails to

recharge the account within six months of temporary disconnection.

11.5. After permanent disconnection, fresh connection to such consumer shall be as

per the Jharkhand State Electricity Regulatory Commission (Electricity Supply

Code) Regulations, 2015 and amendments thereof.

12. Replacement of meters

12.1. If the prepaid smart meter installed by the licensee is damaged due to

overloading or any other reason attributable to the consumer, then the

consumer is responsible for the replacement costs. In such instances, the

consumer shall bear the financial responsibility for the restoration or

replacement of the meter.

12.2. If damage occurs to the meter for reasons other than those specified in Clause

12.1, the resolution will be in accordance with the relevant provisions outlined

in the Jharkhand State Electricity Regulatory Commission (Electricity Supply

Code) Regulations, 2015, and any subsequent amendments.

13. Other Provisions

13.1. Any matter related to the distribution of electricity involving distribution

licensees and consumers not explicitly addressed in this regulation shall be

handled in accordance with the JSERC (Electricity Supply Code) Regulations,

2015, and any subsequent amendments thereof along with JSERC

(Distribution Licensees Standard of Performance) Regulations,2015 and its

amendments.

14. Testing

14.1. Consumers shall have the option to procure their own meter, meeting approved

specifications, from vendor(s) endorsed by the licensee. Upon purchasing such

meter, the consumer must ensure its testing at meter testing labs approved by

the Commission, following the payment of the necessary fee as per the

prevailing regulations. The licensee shall commit to conduct the meter testing

within seven days and subsequently installing the meter outside the

consumer's premises. This provision offers consumers the flexibility to acquire

and install their meters while adhering to the specified procedures.

14.2. The distribution licensee shall ensure that tested and sealed meters of

approved meter manufacturers are available to consumers for purchase, and

information of the places from where the consumers can purchase them is

made available on its website.

Jharkhand Gazette (Extraordinary), Thursday, 26^th September, 2024

14.3. The licensee must also randomly test sample (minimum 5%) of meters received

from its authorized vendors to ensure they meet required specifications. The

reports must be submitted to the Commission during filing of Tariff Petition.

14.4. In case of complain from consumer, testing of meters shall be done by the

distribution licensee within a period as may be specified by the Commission,

not exceeding thirty days, of receipt of the complaint from the consumer about

their meter readings not being commensurate with his consumption of

electricity, stoppage of meter, damage to the seal, burning or damage of the

meter, etc.

14.5. No test fee shall be charged from the consumer at the time of reporting however

if the meter is found to be defective or burnt due to reasons attributable to the

consumer, the consumer shall bear the cost of new meter and test fee as

approved by the Commission shall be charged from the consumer through

subsequent bills.

14.6. The list of third party agencies approved by the Commission shall be available

in their various offices as well as on the website of the distribution licensee.

14.7. The Licensee is expected to keep sufficient stock of tested meters to ensure

prompt replacement for defective meters, ensuring an immediate response

without causing inconvenience to the consumer. Additionally, the availability of

these spare meters aims to meet the demand for new connections, facilitating a

smooth and efficient process for consumers and the distribution system.

14.8. Non-availability of meter shall not be a reason for delay in restoration of

supply.

15. Training

15.1. The meter vendor or the entity responsible for installing the prepaid smart

meters in the State is obligated to offer sufficient training to the staff of the

licensee. This training is essential to ensure a smooth and proper

implementation of the prepaid metering scheme. Furthermore, it is specified

that the server for the proposed metering system and software should be

maintained and operated either by the licensee or its authorized vendor. This

provision aims to eliminate potential issues at a later stage and guarantees the

seamless functioning of the metering system.

16. Inherent Powers of the Commission

16.1. Nothing in these Regulations shall be deemed to limit or otherwise affect the

power of the Commission to make such orders as may be necessary to meet the

ends of justice.

16.2. Nothing in these Regulations shall bar the Commission from adopting in

conformity with provisions of the Act, a procedure which is at variance with

any of the provisions of these Regulations, if the Commission, in view of the

special circumstances of a matter or a class of matters, deems it just or

expedient for deciding such matter or class of matters.

16.3. Nothing in these Regulations shall, expressly or implied, bar the Commission

from dealing with any matter or exercising any power under the Act for which

no Regulations have been framed, and the Commission may deal with such

matters, powers, and functions in a manner, as it considers just and

appropriate.

Jharkhand Gazette (Extraordinary), Thursday, 26^th September, 2024

17. Interpretation

The decision of the Commission regarding the interpretation of these Regulations

shall be final and binding.

18. Power to amend

The Commission may from time to time add, vary, alter, modify or amend any

provisions of these Regulations after following the necessary procedures.

19. Power to remove difficulties

If any difficulty arises in giving effect to any of the provisions of these Regulations,

the Commission may, by a general or special order, not being inconsistent with the

provisions of these Regulations or the Act, do or undertake to do things or direct to

do or undertake such things which appear to be necessary or expedient for the

purpose of removing the difficulties.

20. Power to relax

The Commission may by general or specific order, for reasons to be recorded in

writing, and after giving an opportunity of hearing to the parties likely to be affected,

may relax any of the provisions of these Regulations on its own motion or on an

application made before it by the affected party.

By order of the Commission,

S/d illegible,

Secretary

Jharkhand State Electricity Regulatory

Commission.

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Printed & Published by the Superintendent of Jharkhand Government Press, Doranda, Ranchi.

Jharkhand Gazette (Extraordinary) 616 -- 50.