Jalandhar: Norms for Electricity Connections in Residential Projects Relaxed

Jalandhar: In a major relief for residents of unauthorized and stalled housing colonies, the Punjab State Electricity Regulatory Commission (PSERC) has amended the electricity supply regulations. Under these amendments, the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) has been empowered to issue electricity connections in “incomplete colonies” where builders have failed to complete the necessary infrastructure. According to an official notification issued on March 20, the new provisions—notified through amendments to the Punjab Electricity Supply Code and related regulations—came into effect on March 17. Officials stated, “Under the new rules, electricity connections can now be provided to residents living in housing colonies where builders have failed to complete the infrastructure or have not adhered to the approved terms and conditions.”
If a developer fails to obtain the necessary approvals, fails to fulfill the conditions stipulated in the No Objection Certificate (NOC), or fails to complete the electricity distribution works within the prescribed timeframe, the Licensing Authority may take cognizance of the matter. The action taken in such instances may include the suspension or cancellation of the builder’s license. The notification states, “However, if the Licensing Authority fails to initiate any action within three months of receiving a report regarding such cases, the PSPCL may intervene in accordance with the regulations. In such instances, the PSPCL may assess the status of the colony—based on criteria approved by the Commission—and declare it an ‘incomplete colony.’ Only after such a declaration has been made can electricity connections be issued to the residents of the affected area.” The notification further clarifies that such a declaration is made solely for the purpose of ensuring electricity supply and does not absolve the promoters of their legal or financial liabilities; these liabilities shall continue to remain in force under applicable laws.
Applicable Charges
While facilitating access to electricity, the amended regulations also stipulate that residents of such colonies will be required to pay both the service connection charges and the development charges. This development fee has been fixed at ₹3,000 per kW or ₹2,850 per kVA (on a standard basis). In cases where a bank guarantee had been obtained, or where infrastructure partially exists already, PSPCL will complete the remaining distribution system and recover the associated costs. In cases where a guarantee was not secured, the power utility (PSPCL) shall still be responsible for ensuring supply; furthermore, provisions for recovering financial losses from the responsible officials—in accordance with the law—shall apply. Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) may also be permitted to complete pending electrification works in adherence to technical specifications, following which connections may be issued upon payment of the applicable fees.
The regulations explicitly clarify that declaring a colony as “abandoned” serves solely the purpose of ensuring electricity supply to its residents and does not absolve developers of their legal or financial liabilities. Recovery proceedings against promoters shall continue in accordance with applicable laws. PSPCL has also been directed to submit a draft framework for declaring colonies as “abandoned” within 15 days of the issuance of this notification, in order to ensure its smooth implementation. Confirming this development, Desh Raj Bangar, Chief Engineer of PSPCL (North Zone), Jalandhar, stated, “This relief measure is part of a statewide initiative and is not limited solely to Jalandhar. We have instructed the concerned field staff to compile a list of such ‘abandoned’ colonies within Jalandhar and its surrounding areas. This task is expected to be completed by next week.”