APERC Eases Power Connection Rules for Up to 150 kW Load

The Andhra Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (APERC) has introduced the Fourth Amendment to its 2013 regulation governing the supply of electricity on request and recovery of expenses for providing electric lines or electrical plants. This progressive move aims to streamline the process for new electricity connections up to 150 kW, significantly reducing the time and procedural delays for consumers and industries across Andhra Pradesh.

Why This Amendment Matters

  • Standardized Connection Charges: Eliminates the need for field inspections for service connections up to 150 kW.
  • Ease of Doing Business: Helps small industries, commercial setups, and entrepreneurs get faster electricity connections.
  • New LT-HT Flexibility: Consumers up to 150 kW can now choose between LT and HT supply depending on their needs.

🔑 Key Highlights of the Fourth Amendment (Regulation No. 4 of 2025)

📌 Applicability

  • Regulation Name: Fourth Amendment to the APERC Regulation, 2013
  • Effective Date: July 11, 2025 (Date of Gazette Publication)
  • Applies to: Entire state of Andhra Pradesh

💸 Fixed Connection Charges (FY 2025–26)

Load CategoryVoltage LevelFixed Charges per kWRemarks
Up to 20 kWLT₹ 2,000
Above 20 kW to 75 kWLT₹ 4,400DTR in consumer’s scope
Above 75 kW to 150 kWLT or HT₹ 12,600LT consumers billed as per extended LT tariffs
Above 100 HP to 150 HPLTAs per Industry General Tariff in RST FY 2025-26

📌 Additional Charges Applicable

  • Application Fee
  • Security Deposit
    As per the existing relevant regulations of APERC.

🔓 Exemptions from Fixed Charges

The following categories are exempted from paying the standard fixed connection charges:

  1. Connections beyond 1 km from an electrified area
  2. Electrification of layouts
  3. Agriculture & related categories
  4. Farmhouses
  5. Underground cable connections

🔁 Future Revisions & Filing Deadlines

  • From FY 2026–27 onwards, distribution licensees must submit proposals for revised service line charges:
    • By November 30 of the final year of the current control period (for MYT filings).
    • By November 30 of any year (for annual filings).
  • If no new proposal is submitted, FY 2025–26 rates will continue.

⚠️ Additional Regulatory Provisions Introduced

🧾 Clause Amendments:

  • Clause 8.2: Schedule of Development Charges will not apply to consumers covered under clause 7(1) proviso.
  • Clause 8.4 (Revised): All LT consumers with contracted load >20 kW must be provided with dedicated transformers, which cannot be shared.

🏁 Conclusion

This Fourth Amendment is a consumer-friendly and business-focused reform aimed at simplifying electricity access for medium-scale power users. With predictable charges and less red tape, APERC sets a benchmark for proactive regulation that supports Andhra Pradesh’s industrial and economic growth.

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