GENERAL
This chapter covers metering installation on the premises of consumers of all categories receiving electric power from IESCO.
IESCO shall provide the appropriate metering installation at the cost of the consumer for all types of consumer categories. However, in case of non-availability of the same with IESCO, against new connection, extension/reduction of load or replacement of defective meter, the consumer may be asked to procure the metering installation according to the specifications approved by IESCO from approved vendors, to avoid delay in provision of connection/replacement of metering installation. No meter rent shall be charged if the cost of metering installation has been borne by the consumer.
LOCATION OF METERING INSTALLATION
Metering installation of all categories of consumers shall be fixed at any convenient/proper place outside the premises of the consumer. It shall be the responsibility of the consumer to provide a safe and accessible location to IESCO for setting up of the metering installation at his/her premises. In such cases, safe custody of the metering installation is the responsibility of the consumer. In case, IESCO fixes the metering installation at its pole/structure then safe custody of the metering installation is the responsibility of IESCO.
In case of theft of metering installation or damage due to any accident (in case meter is installed at the premises), the information must be communicated immediately by the consumer in written form to the concerned sub divisional office of IESCO and IESCO may take further legal action and lodge FIR. IESCO shall immediately install another meter at site. In such case IESCO may recover the cost of the meter by issuing a demand notice or through regular electricity bills.
IESCO shall make its best endeavor to install the meters in accordance with the latest industry standards and workmanship to ensure safety and security of the metering installation.
IESCO shall have the right at any time to change the place and position of the metering equipment to conform with the provision of the schedule of tariff enforce from time to time, Consumer Eligibility Criteria, 2003, Grid Code and Distribution Code. However, the safe custody of metering installation is responsibility of IESCO if meter is shifted away from the premises.
The metering installation shall be fixed at a reasonable height from the ground level or at a level from where the meter reading/taking reading snapshot is possible without using climbing devices.
For Multistorey buildings (two or more occupants) the metering installation of all the consumers shall be fixed at any appropriate location of the building. Each meter shall be labeled with the name and reference number of the consumer.
IESCO may install back-up meter on all industrial connections and other connections having sanctioned load of 50 kW and above on request of the consumer. The cost will be borne by the consumer if backup meter is installed on consumer's request. In case of any defect in the billing meter, the back-up meter will be converted into billing meter and the bills shall be charged on the basis of consumption recorded on the back-up meter. Upon replacement of the impugned meter, the same will be treated as back up meter.
Should the consumer at any time requires the metering installation to be shifted to another place or position on the same premises, he/she shall apply to IESCO in person or online giving reasons thereof. Upon receipt of such request, a survey will be carried out within seven days for verification of alternative space. IESCO after its satisfaction may shift the metering installation upon deposit of shifting charges (i.e. Rs. 500/- for single phase connection and Rs. 1000/- for three phase connection along with the extra material cost, if any) by the consumer as demanded through a demand notice by IESCO.
METER REPLACEMENT AND BILL ADJUSTMENT:
In case a metering installation becomes defective/burnt (which was otherwise correct up to last billing cycle), IESCO shall:
- Replace the metering installation immediately or within two billing cycles if meters are not available.
- IESCO may charge bills on average basis i.e. 100% of the consumption recorded in the same months of previous year or average of the last eleven months whichever is higher for a maximum period of two months.
- No previous charging shall be made against the consumer account if the meter was correct till the last billing cycle.
If the defectiveness of the meter is due to display wash then IESCO shall:
- (a) Replace the metering installation immediately or within two billing cycles if meters are not available.
- (b) IESCO may charge bills on average basis i.e. 100% of the consumption recorded in the same months of previous year or average of the last eleven months whichever is higher for a maximum period of two months.
- (c) Data of the impugned meter shall be retrieved and actual consumption as per retrieved data shall be charged to the consumer after issuing a notice to the consumer and already charged bills issued on average basis shall be adjusted.
- (d) The consumer's account shall not be liable to any adjustment if the data is not retrieved within three months of display wash. However, if data retrieval is not possible within IESCO and meter is sent to the manufacturer/company for data retrieval, and if its data is retrieved within six (6) months, then the consumer will be charged retrieved units after issuance of notice. In case, data is not retrieved within six (6) months the consumer's account shall not be liable to any adjustment.
If at any time IESCO, doubts the accuracy of any metering installation, IESCO may after informing the consumer:
- (a) Fix another duly calibrated and tested metering installation (check meter) in series with the impugned metering installation to determine the difference in consumption or maximum demand recorded by the check meter and that recorded by the impugned metering installation during a fixed period.
- Where it is not possible for IESCO to install check meter/metering installation of appropriate capacity (due to non-availability of such equipment or otherwise) in series with the impugned metering installation, to check the accuracy of the impugned metering installation, IESCO shall, after informing (in writing) the consumer, test the accuracy of the impugned metering installation at site by means of Rotary SubStandard or digital power analyzer or meter testing equipment.
- If the impugned metering installation should prove to be incorrect during the above checking(s), IESCO shall install a "correct meter" immediately or within two billing cycles if meters are not available.
- (i) In case slowness is established, IESCO shall enhance multiplying factor for charging actual consumption till replacement of the defective metering installation.
- (ii) Further, charging of a bill for the quantum of energy lost if any, because of malfunctioning of metering installation shall not be more than two previous billing cycles.
- (iii) In case fastness is established, IESCO shall change/reduce multiplying factor for charging actual consumption till replacement of the defective metering installation. IESCO shall provide due credit for excessive units up to two previous billing cycles.
Where a consumer is not satisfied with the accuracy of the metering installation, he/she may inform IESCO for checking of the said metering installation.
- (a) Upon receiving such a request, IESCO will issue a demand notice as meter challenge fee (i.e. Rs. 500/- for single phase and Rs. 1000/- for three phase connection for the checking of the said metering installation.
- (b) IESCO will check the accuracy of the said metering installation in presence of the consumer/consumer's representative, within seven working days from the date of receipt of payment of such challenge fee.
- (c) IESCO will install a duly calibrated check metering installation in series with the impugned metering installation or in the absence of a check metering installation, through a Rotary Sub Standard or digital power analyzer or meter testing equipment accompanied by an expert of IESCO's metering and testing department.
- (d) If upon checking the metering installation, it is found to be fast and recording beyond the permissible limits, the meter shall be changed immediately on cost of IESCO and due credit be given for excessive units up to two previous billing cycles.
- (e) If upon checking the metering installation, it is found to be slow/ defective and not recording the actual consumption, the meter shall be changed immediately on cost of IESCO and due slowness shall be charged to the consumer for two previous billing cycles.
Where any consumer gives a notice in writing to IESCO and informs of having requested the Electric Inspector/POI to check the accuracy of IESCO's metering installation.
- (a) In such a case, IESCO shall not remove or take off the impugned metering installation from the consumer's premises until the Electric Inspector/POI has conducted accuracy test of the impugned metering installation, in the presence of the consumer and/or their authorized representative and IESCO, by means of a duly calibrated check meter installed in series with the impugned metering installation or through a Rotary Sub Standard or digital power analyzer or meter testing equipment and has given the result of the test.
- (b) Electric Inspector/POI shall carry out checking of the accuracy of the metering installation within one month of receipt of such request.
- (c) If the metering installation is found to be slow/fast, the metering installation shall be replaced immediately or within two billing cycles if meters are not available.
- (d) As a result of above checking, if percentage of slowness/fastness is specified then the debit/credit will be made for maximum two months as per the determined slowness/fastness. Further, the billing at the determined slowness/accounting for the fastness may continue till replacement of the metering installation.
In case of defective meter, if IESCO charges bills on average basis/defective code and the consumer produces documentary evidence regarding non occupancy of the premises then only minimum charges are liable to be paid by the consumer