The Ministry of Power (MoP) on March 12, 2026 has issued a draft notification seeking stakeholder comments on the proposed Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Amendment Rules, 2026. The draft aims to further strengthen consumer rights, improve service standards, and introduce modern electricity management practices, with comments invited within 30 days i.e., by April 11, 2026.
The proposed amendments introduce key concepts such as “Demand Response” to optimize electricity usage, prescribe stricter timelines for providing new or modified electricity connections (ranging from 3 to 15 days, extendable in specific cases), and mandate billing system checks for abnormal consumption with resolution within 30 days while protecting consumers from disconnection during disputes.
Further, the draft provides for phased implementation of Time-of-Day tariffs by April 2027/2028, rationalizes solar tariff structures, and revises provisions relating to net metering, net billing, and related charges for prosumers. These changes are proposed to come into effect from October 1, 2026, subject to final notification after stakeholder consultation.
[Draft Notification No. 23/05/2020-R&R-I (Part-1) Vol. II]
