Punjab News: Announcing an important public-friendly decision of the Punjab Government, Punjab Power Minister Sanjeev Arora said that Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) will now release electricity connections without ‘Non-Objection Certificate’ (NOC) after the applicants submit the mandatory guarantee. He said that this step reflects the commitment of Honorable National Convener Shri Arvind Kejriwal and Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to provide basic amenities to the citizens without any delay, while also ensuring that legal procedures are followed.

Arora said that earlier, before getting an electricity connection, applicants had to submit approvals like NOC, regularization certificate or approved building plan issued by the local authority—such as MCs, GAMADA, GLADA, JDA, ADA, PDA or BDA. Due to non-availability or delay in these approvals from various departments, people had to face a lot of trouble. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had instructed us to find a practical solution. “Today that solution has been implemented,” he said. As per the revised instructions, if the applicant gives a written undertaking that if the building is declared illegal or unauthorized by any competent authority in future, his electricity connection may be disconnected, then electricity supply connections will be issued to all the applicants under the applicable provisions of the Supply Code 2024. Further, the applicant will also have to deposit an amount equal to the service connection charges as security to cover dismantling charges (disposal expenses) in addition to the normal charges payable under the Supply Code 2024.

Arora clarified that the new system will also ensure necessary security measures keeping in mind public convenience. He said, “The government believes that every family deserves access to basic services. This decision will ensure that no citizen is deprived of electricity supply.” The Power Minister directed the officials to ensure strict adherence to the revised guidelines with transparency and uniformity across the state. He also informed that simplification of application forms and digitization of records to electricity connections is being taken forward on priority basis. Earlier PSPCL had decided that applicants or consumers applying for new connection or alteration with load up to 50 kW under LT (Low Tension) category will not be required to submit a test report from a licensed electrical contractor or any self-certification/signed document for making electricity connection in the building. Instead, the online application form shall include a declaration wherein the applicant shall declare that the internal wiring in the building has been installed and tested by a licensed electrical contractor/Government designated officer, and the test certificate is available with the applicant.