Dept cracks whip on consumers misusing domestic power supply

Pradeep Sharma

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, September 29

The Power Department has cracked the whip against the consumers misusing the domestic power supply for commercial purposes.

An order issued by the Chief Engineer (Commercial) of the Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (DHBVN) said, “If any portion of the residential/industrial premises is used for any commercial activity permitted under the law, the consumer shall be required to obtain a separate connection under the non-domestic supply category for a portion put to commercial use.”

“In such event, two connections, one under domestic supply schedule and the other under non-domestic supply schedule, will be permitted to the consumer,” the order asserted.

The order spelled out detailed guidelines for having separate power connections. In case of a multi-storeyed building, if the title of the property is floor-wise or the owner produces a rent deed/lease agreement then separate floor connection may be given.

Similarly, in a shop-cum-flat, one domestic supply and one non-domestic supply connection may be given, the order said.

Meanwhile, the order said the consumer would be treated as a distinct entity and shall be deemed to be an independent establishment if it was a separate unit in duly-partitioned premises owned or taken on lease/rent.

The consumer will also be treated as a distinct entity if there is a separate operative entrance and internal wiring. The consumer will also be a separate entity if it is registered as a separate entity or firm under relevant laws. The similar will also be the case if the firm holds a separate sales tax/VAT number and is independently assessed by the Income Tax Department.