Telangana power distributor sets standard charges for eligible connections

Telangana Southern Power Distribution Company Limited has introduced uniform service line charges for eligible low-tension and high-tension electricity connections, saying the system will give consumers greater clarity about costs. TGSPDCL Chairman and Managing Director Jitesh V. Patil said the new arrangement would replace case-by-case estimates for qualifying connections.

He said the earlier estimates varied according to location, the distance of a line extension and transformer capacity. The Uniform Service Line Charge fixed by the Telangana Electricity Regulatory Commission for 11-kV high-tension connections is ₹4,078 per kVA. Development charges, security deposits and other applicable expenses will continue to be collected under prevailing rules.

The system applies to eligible high-tension connections supplied through a common feeder in the existing 11-kV electrified network, provided they are within one kilometre of that network. Connections requiring extensions beyond one kilometre will continue to be sanctioned on the basis of an estimate. TGSPDCL said standard rates for overhead and underground networks would reduce variations in estimated costs.

Mr. Patil said earlier differences between estimates could have reached 30% to 40%. He gave the example of a 200-kVA high-tension connection, saying the company would undertake required network expansion and feeder-related work after the consumer paid the prescribed uniform charge.

Technical decisions would still depend on load feasibility and network capacity. The company is also making network information available through GIS-based mapping and plans to allow consumers to track applications online, see charges and monitor the stage of their files. Load-based uniform charges have also been introduced for low-tension domestic, commercial, industrial, agricultural and electric-vehicle charging connections.