The Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) for the State of Goa and Union Territories on August 2, 2024 issued The Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission for the State of Goa and Union Territories (Electricity Supply Code) (Third Amendment) Regulations, 2024.
1. Overview of the Amendments
The JERC’s Third Amendment Regulations aim to refine the electricity supply framework, enhance consumer services, and incorporate modern technologies. These changes impact various areas, from application procedures and supply standards to meter requirements and the introduction of Time of Day (TOD) tariffs.
2. Key Changes in Regulations
a. Definition Updates
Several definitions have been updated:
- Applicant: Broadens the scope to include anyone filing for various services with the distribution licensee.
- Prosumer: Defined as a person who both consumes and injects electricity into the grid from the same point of supply.
- Temporary Connection: Clarified to include connections for short-term needs such as construction, events, and temporary setups.
b. Amendments to Supply Standards
The supply standards for different categories are updated as follows:
- Low Tension:
| Installation Type | Contracted Load | System of Supply |
| All installations (except irrigation pumping and agricultural services) | Up to and including 5 kW | Single phase at 220 V/230 V |
| Irrigation pumping and agricultural services; installations excluding EV Charging Stations | Exceeding 5 kW up to and including 100 kVA | 3 Phase, 4 wire at 440 V |
| EV Charging Station | Exceeding 5 kW up to and including 167 kVA (150 kW) | 3 Phase, 4 wire at 440 V |
- High Tension:
| Installation Type | Contracted Load | System of Supply |
| Excluding EV Charging Stations | Exceeding 100 kVA up to and including 5000 kVA | 6.6 kV/11kV/22kV/33kV |
| EV Charging Stations | Above 167 kVA (150 kW) and including 5000 kVA | 6.6 kV/11kV/22kV/33kV |
- Extra High Tension:
| Installation Type | Contracted Load | System of Supply |
| All installations | Exceeding 5000 kVA | 66 kV and above |
c. Application and Connection Timelines
Changes in application procedures and timelines include:
- Penalties for Delays: Distribution licensees failing to supply electricity within the specified period will face penalties up to Rs. 500 per day.
- Application Submission: Applicants can submit applications either in hard copy or electronically. The new tracking system will allow real-time monitoring of application status.
- Connection Timelines:
| Activity | Timeline |
| New connection/additional load where supply can be provided from existing network | |
| Metro Cities | Within 3 days from receipt of application complete in all respects |
| Urban/Municipal areas | Within 7 days from receipt of application complete in all respects |
| Rural areas | Within 15 days from receipt of application complete in all respects |
| Rural areas of Islands | 30 days from receipt of application complete in all respects |
| Extension works or enhancement of transformer capacity | Supply within 90 days after extension or commissioning |
d. Smart Meter and TOD Tariffs
- Smart Meters: Required for all new connections. Exceptions must be approved by the Commission with recorded justifications.
- Time of Day Tariffs: Implemented for commercial and industrial consumers with a demand exceeding 10 kW by April 1, 2025. For other consumers with smart meters, TOD tariffs will apply immediately after meter installation.
e. Meter Reading and Testing
Enhancements include:
- Remote Reading: Smart meters will be read daily, while other meters will be read every three months. Consumers with smart pre-payment meters will have daily access to consumption and balance data.
- Meter Testing: No test fee if the meter is found defective due to consumer-related issues. The cost of testing will be borne by the licensee if results differ from the licensee’s tests.
- Meter Testing Costs:
| Scenario | Cost Responsibility |
| Defective meter (consumer’s fault) | Consumer bears cost of new meter and test fee |
| Test results differ from licensee’s test | Licensee bears cost if consumer’s test results are validated; otherwise, consumer bears cost |
f. Connection Reconnection and Rebates
- Burnt Meters: A new meter will be installed at no cost within 6 hours of a complaint or inspection.
- Bill Rebates:
- A rebate of 2% will be given for delays in bill service exceeding 60 days.
- Online payments will receive a rebate of 0.5% for LT consumers and 0.25% for HT consumers.
g. Security Deposit Amounts
Updated security deposit amounts based on load factors and operational hours are as follows:
- Security Deposit Amounts:
| Category | Load Factor | Hours (H) |
| Domestic | 30% | 12 |
| Commercial | 50% | 12 |
| LT Industrial | 50% | 10 |
| HT/EHT Industrial: Single shift | 50% | 10 |
| HT/EHT Industrial: Double shift | 75% | 18 |
| HT/EHT Industrial: Continuous | 100% | 24 |
| Agriculture / Water Supply | 33% | 4 |
| Street lights | 40% | 8 |
| Signals & Blinkers | 75% | 12 |
| Railway Traction | 50% | 24 |
| Hotels/Restaurants/Resorts | 50% | 12 |
These updates to the JERC (Electricity Supply Code) Regulations, 2024, represent a crucial step towards modernizing the electricity supply system in Goa and the Union Territories. By refining definitions, updating supply standards, implementing smart metering, and introducing TOD tariffs, the JERC aims to enhance efficiency, transparency, and consumer satisfaction.
These Regulations shall extend to the State of Goa and the Union Territories of Andaman &Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, Puducherry and Chandigarh.
Effective Date: August 2 ,2024
