The Andhra Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (APERC) has released a draft Fourth Amendment to Regulation No. 4 of 2013, aiming to simplify the process for new electricity connections up to 150 kW. This reform is intended to align with the Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules, 2020, and significantly enhance ease of doing business and consumer satisfaction in the state.
🔑 Key Highlights of the Draft Regulation:
- Fixed Service Connection Charges: Consumers applying for LT supply up to 150 kW within a 1 km radius of an electrified area will be charged a predetermined fee, eliminating the need for field inspections and estimation.
- Applicable from FY 2025–26.
- HT services up to 150 kW also included under fixed charge norms.
- Proposal Submissions for charges beyond FY 2025–26 are to be made by November 30 each year by the DISCOMs.
- Charges do not apply to:
- Connections beyond 1 km from an electrified area
- Agricultural connections
- Underground cables
- Electrification of layouts
📊 Fixed Connection Charges for FY 2025–26:
| Tariff Category | Load Slab | Connection Charges |
| LT-I Domestic | Up to 500 W | ₹ 800 |
| 501 W – 1 kW | ₹ 1,500 | |
| 1 kW – 20 kW | ₹1,500 + ₹2,000 per kW | |
| 20 kW – 150 kW | ₹12,600 per kW | |
| LT-II Commercial | Up to 250 W | ₹ 600 |
| 251 – 500 W | ₹ 1,000 | |
| 501 W – 1 kW | ₹ 1,800 | |
| 1 kW – 20 kW | ₹1,800 + ₹2,000 per kW | |
| 20 kW – 150 kW | ₹12,600 per kW | |
| LT-III & IV | Up to 20 kW | ₹2,000 per kW |
| 20 kW – 150 kW | ₹12,600 per kW | |
| HT (11 kV) | >75 kW to 150 kW | ₹4,400 per kW (DTR to be provided by consumer) |
⚙️ Other Key Regulatory Updates:
- Dedicated Transformers: LT consumers with loads above 20 kW must be served via dedicated transformers; DISCOMs cannot share these with other consumers.
- Annexure-I Exemption: Consumers eligible for fixed charges as per clause 7(1) will be exempted from Annexure-I development charges.
- Empowered Commission: APERC retains powers to:
- Remove implementation difficulties
- Issue practice directions
- Amend regulations as needed
📌 Background:
The move follows requests from APEPDCL, APSPDCL, and APCPDCL for implementing fixed charges without the traditional inspection route, in line with Ministry of Power guidelines. The charges are based on actual expenditures from FY 2023–24 and FY 2024–25 (till Feb 2025).
The draft regulation is open for stakeholder feedback. Once finalized and published in the Official Gazette, it will become applicable for all new LT and eligible HT connections in the state.
