Any person entering into an agreement with the licensee for supply of power shall deposit such amount to cover charges (i.e. demand/fixed charges and energy charges as applicable) for supply of three months where by-monthly bill is in vogue and two month charges in the case of monthly billing cycle, for the relevant consumer category. In case of phased contract demand, the security deposit will be accordingly phased. Enhanced security deposit shall be payable thirty days prior to each scheduled enhanced demand. Provisions to this effect shall be incorporated in the agreement.
The initial security deposit (demand charges plus energy charges) shall be calculated based on the load factor as under:
Calculation of amount for Initial Security Deposit :
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|
|
|
1 |
Domestic |
10% |
2 |
General Purpose |
30% |
3 |
Irrigation Pumping and Agriculture |
15% |
4 |
Public Lighting |
30% |
5 |
L.T. / H.T. Industrial (S) Supply |
20% |
6 |
L.T. Industrial (M) Supply |
30% |
7 |
Specified Public Purpose |
30% |
8 |
Public Water Works |
50% |
9 |
Large Industry |
70% |
10 |
Power Intensive Industry - |
80% |
11 |
Mini Steel Plant |
40% |
12 |
Railway Traction |
40% |
13 |
Heavy Industry |
70% |
14 |
Emergency Supply to CPP |
To be mutually settled |
15 |
Temporary Connection |
As applicable to relevant consumer category |
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If any person requiring supply under LT or HT is prepared to take the supply through a pre-payment meter, the distribution licensee shall not be entitled to collect the security deposit from such person.
Provided that in the case of existing consumers (LT or HT) who opt for the supply through pre-payment meter, the Licensee shall refund the amount of the security deposit of such consumer lying with the Licensee by adjustment of the then outstanding dues to the Licensee or any amount becoming due to the Licensee immediately thereafter.
The security deposit shall be paid in cash or by bank draft. It may also be paid by cheque or by credit card, where specifically allowed by the licensee.
Review and payment of Additional Security Deposit for the electricity supplied :
Subject to the restrictions of the periods of three months or two months as specified, the adequacy of the amount of security deposit calculated in respect of consumers shall be reviewed by the Licensee generally once in every year (preferably after revision of tariff for the respective year) based on the average consumption for the period representing 12 (twelve) months from April to March of the previous year.
Demand notice for Additional Security Deposit :
Based on review as per, demand for shortfall or refund of excess shall be made by the Licensee. Provided, however, that if the security deposit payable by the consumer is short by or in excess of not more than 10% of the existing security deposit, no demand for shortfall will be made for payment of Additional Security Deposit and the consumer shall not be entitled to demand the refund of the Excess.
If the existing Security Deposit of a consumer is found to be in excess by more than 10% of the required security deposit, refund of the excess security deposit shall be made by the Licensee by adjustment of the then outstanding dues from the consumer to the Licensee or any amount becoming due from the consumer to the Licensee immediately thereafter.
Where the consumer is required to pay Additional Security Deposit, the Licensee shall issue to the Consumer a 30 days' advance notice stating the amount payable with supporting calculations.
Surcharge for belated payment of Additional Security Deposit :
The consumers shall pay the additional security deposit within thirty days from the date of service of the demand notice issued by the Licensee.
If there is any delay in payment, the consumer shall pay surcharge thereon at the rate of 15% per annum or at such rate as may be fixed by the Commission from time to time, without prejudice to the Licensee’s right to disconnect supply of electricity, as per this Regulation.
Disconnection for non-payment of Security Deposit for the electricity supplied :
If the consumer does not make payment of initial security deposit, the licensee can refuse to release supply. In the case where additional security deposit is demanded by the licensee in terms of Regulation, and the consumer does not make payment, the supply to the consumer shall be liable for disconnection of power supply.
Interest on Security Deposit payable by the Licensee :
The Licensee shall pay interest on security deposit of the consumer, at the bank rate notified by Reserve Bank of India provided that the Commission may direct a higher rate of interest from time to time by notification in official Gazette.
The interest accruing to the credit of the consumer shall be adjusted annually in the amounts outstanding from the consumer to the licensee as on 1st May of every year and the amounts becoming due from the consumer to the licensee immediately thereafter.
The licensee shall duly show the amounts becoming due to consumer towards interest on the security deposit in the bills raised on the consumer.
The Licensee shall pay interest at twice the rate specified under sub-clause (1) above for the delay in making the adjustments for interest on security deposit.
Refund of Security Deposit after termination of the Agreement :
The security deposit shall be returned to the consumer only after the termination of the agreement and after adjustment of outstanding dues, if any, within a period of one month from the date of termination. In case of non-refund of such security deposit during the aforesaid period, it shall carry interest at the rate of 15 % per annum from the effective date of termination of the agreement (without prejudice to other rights and remedies of the consumer) payable to the consumer. Before termination of the agreement, the licensee is entitled to adjust the whole or part of the security deposit towards arrears payable by the consumer.
