Vikas Yadav 15 December 2025

Delay in electricity connection

A consumer applied for a new electricity connection. Earlier, the electricity department prepared an estimated cost of ₹43,210/-, which was not communicated directly and came to light only through an online grievance (IGRS). Subsequently, in the following year, the department again revised the estimated cost to ₹98,000/-, without providing any clear justification. Relevant documents are available.

Later, as per the official electricity department portal, the estimated charges displayed were ₹1,122/-, which the consumer deposited online through the same portal. The payment receipt generated from the portal clearly mentions charges related to the release of electricity connection, and the payment was accepted by the department.

Despite payment and completion of all formalities, the electricity connection has not been released. The consumer made multiple complaints on the 1912 toll-free grievance number; however, every complaint was disposed of with a standard remark directing the consumer to “contact the subdivision office,” without resolving the issue.

Subsequently, the Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) contacted the consumer telephonically and stated that the amount paid through the portal is “not an estimated cost receipt,” and therefore the electricity connection cannot be released. This objection appears arbitrary, especially when the amount was generated, shown, and accepted through the official portal itself, and the purpose of payment is clearly mentioned therein.

Queries:

1. Whether the electricity department can legally deny release of a new electricity connection after generating and accepting payment through its official portal by claiming that it is not an estimated cost receipt?

2. Whether such refusal amounts to deficiency in service and violation of Section 43 of the Electricity Act, 2003?

3. What is the appropriate legal remedy in such a case — CGRF, Electricity Ombudsman, writ petition under Article 226, or consumer forum?

4. Whether repeated disposal of grievances without resolution is legally sustainable?

Reply Follow

2 Replies

Dr. J C Vashista (Advocate ) 15 December 2025

Q 1. The department has to give connection, if all dociments and payments are in order.

Q 2. No, it would tentamount to deficiency of service.

Q 3. CGRF followed by Ombudsman may be preferred, however, you may opt for CDRF.

Q 4 Vague question.

Show relevant documents to a local prudent lawyer forp proper analyses of facts/documents, professional guidance and necessary proceeding if it is your personal problem. However, prima facie it is a hypothetical post.

T. Kalaiselvan, Advocate (Advocate) 16 December 2025

The electricity department cannot arbitrarily refuse a new connection after it has received payment through its official portal if there is no lawful reason. The distribution licensee has a statutory duty to supply on request; where payment was accepted through the utility’s official channel that is strong evidence the statutory process was triggered and the licensee should either (a) treat it as the prescribed deposit/estimated cost and issue a receipt, or (b) give a clear statutory/legal reason for rejection

The refusal can amount to a deficiency in service and a breach of Section 43 of the Electricity Act, 2003, if the licensee cannot point to a lawful exception. Section 43 imposes a duty to supply within the timeframe fixed by the Appropriate Commission unless an exception (e.g., technical impossibility, pending statutory clearances, encumbrances) applies. If none of those exceptions exist and payment was taken, the refusal looks like a failure of statutory duty and a consumer-service deficiency.

You can approach the higher officer of the department with an application to pass a favorable order or you can approach electricity ombudsman to address your grievances or file a case before consumer commission for deficiency in service or file a writ petition before high court seeking direction to concerned department to provide you proper relief and remedy.