The Andhra Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (APERC) has announced the Sixth Amendment to the Licensees’ Standards of Performance Regulation, 2004 (Regulation No.7 of 2004).
The amendment aims to align state regulations with the Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules, 2020 notified by the Government of India.
📜 Background
The Principal Regulation, introduced in 2004, has been periodically updated to enhance accountability among power distribution licensees.
Previous amendments were made in 2005, 2013, 2021, 2023, and 2024.
The Sixth Amendment emphasizes consumer protection and faster service delivery, particularly concerning the replacement of burnt or defective electricity meters.
⚡ Key Amendment Highlights
Revised Timelines for Burnt Meter Replacement
| Cause of Meter Burn | Urban Areas | Rural Areas | Cost Responsibility | Compensation (per day of delay) |
| Due to Licensee (e.g., high voltage, loose connections, meter ageing) | 24 hours | 72 hours | Licensee | ₹100 per day |
| Due to Consumer (e.g., tampering, water ingress, overloading) | 24 hours (after payment and corrective action) | 72 hours (after payment and corrective action) | Consumer | ₹100 per day (if single consumer affected) |
💰 Compensation Clause
- ₹100 per day of delay beyond the stipulated timeline.
- Applicable only when a single consumer is affected.
- Aimed at ensuring accountability and timely response from licensees.
🗓️ Implementation
This regulation applies to the entire state of Andhra Pradesh and will come into force on the date of its publication in the Official Gazette – October 9th 2025.
🔍 Impact on Consumers
This amendment ensures:
- Quicker restoration of services in case of meter failures.
- Clear accountability between consumers and licensees.
- Improved service standards, aligned with national consumer rights rules.
By synchronizing state-level timelines with the Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules, 2020, APERC reinforces its commitment to transparent, efficient, and consumer-centric governance in the power sector.