In a major push towards digitization and consumer convenience, the Andhra Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (APERC) has announced the Fourth Amendment to the Electricity Supply Code Regulation, 2004. This forward-looking move aims to modernize power distribution by streamlining prepaid and smart metering systems across the state.
Notified as Regulation No. 2 of 2025, the amendment was officially published in the Andhra Pradesh Gazette and comes into effect from April 25th 2025
📌 Key Highlights of the Amendment
🔹 e-Wallet for Prepaid/Smart Meters
A new e-wallet system will now be linked to every smart/prepaid electricity connection. Consumers can recharge their wallet based on their electricity usage via:
- Online portals
- Mobile apps
- Local retail outlets
- Self-service kiosks
This move is set to eliminate billing delays and give consumers better control over their power usage.
🔹 Digital Billing Only for Smart Meters
Consumers with smart meters will no longer receive physical bills. Instead, e-bills will be sent via:
- SMS
- Mobile apps
- Distribution Licensees’ portals (available in English & Telugu)
Mobile numbers can be updated online or at designated service centers.
🔹 Language Preference for Bills
Consumers can now request to receive bill details in either English or Telugu, based on their preference.
🔹 First Recharge Requirements
Smart/prepaid meter users must make a minimum first recharge of ₹500 or the total sum of mandatory charges (whichever is higher). These include:
- Minimum charges
- Fixed/demand charges
- Customer and true-up charges
- Fuel price adjustment (FPICA) and other applicable charges
Recharges afterward can be done in multiples of ₹100, with no upper limit.
If there are pending dues (e.g., consumption arrears or technical adjustments), they’ll be deducted from the recharge amount.
🔹 Alerts for Outstanding Payments
In case of short billing (like technical errors, additional load charges, etc.), consumers will be:
- Notified via SMS, app, or WhatsApp
- Given 15 days to recharge the due amount
- Reminded on days 12, 13, and 14 before automatic deduction
- Subject to disconnection if wallet balance turns negative and recharge isn’t done in time
🔹 Emergency Credit and Disconnection Protocol
Before disconnection, consumers will receive:
- An emergency credit equivalent to 1 day’s average consumption
- Three advance alerts when their wallet balance falls to:
- 3 days average usage
- 2 days average usage
- 0 balance
⚠️ Disconnections will only happen:
- Between 10 AM and 1 PM on working days
- Not during holidays or non-working hours
If a consumer fails to recharge within three months of disconnection, the connection will be permanently terminated, and the smart meter will be removed.
🔹 Faster Recharge & Reconnection
- Recharge amounts must reflect in the consumer’s account within 15 minutes
- Post-disconnection, the meter must auto-reconnect within 15 minutes of a successful recharge
- Complaints related to reconnection must be resolved within 4 hours
