New Delhi, Dec 21 (UNI) The government has promulgated rules to ensure round-the-clock supply of electricity to consumers across the country and a compensation to be paid, in case of performance standards not met by distribution companies.

“We are placing the consumer at the centre, " Union Power Minister R K Singh said, announcing the Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules, 2020, on Monday.

He added that the rules "emanate from the conviction that the power systems exist to serve the consumers and the consumers have rights to get the reliable services and quality electricity.”

The minister said that Distribution Companies across the country are monopolies – whether government or private – and the consumer has no alternative – therefore it was necessary that the consumers’ rights be laid down in Rules and a system for enforcement of these rights be put in place. “This is what the rules provide for. "

He further said the rules are also an important step towards furthering the ease of doing business across the country.

Implementation of these rules shall ensure that new electricity connections, refunds and other services are given in a time bound manner. "Wilful disregard to consumer rights will result in levying penalties on service providers.”

The rules will benefit about 30 crore existing and the prospective consumers in the country.

States and DISCOMs are being advised to provide wide publicity to these highly consumer friendly Rules of the Government, Singh said.

UNI SRJ PS1735