North India Statesman
News India Live, Digital Desk: Nitish government has announced big relief for crores of electricity consumers of Bihar. Now the period of visiting offices for months for electricity connection is about to end. The state government is going to make a major change in ‘Bihar Electricity Supply Code’ after 19 years. Under the new rules, if the department does not provide a new connection within the stipulated time limit, a heavy fine of Rs 1,000 per day will be imposed on the officials and engineers concerned. This compensation will be adjusted directly into the consumer’s account or bill.
‘Deadline’ chart of new rules: Know when you will get the connection
According to the draft of ‘Bihar Electricity Supply Code 2026’, the deadline has been fixed by dividing the state into three categories:
Mahanagar (Patna): application only 3 days It will be mandatory to provide connection within.
District Headquarters (Other Cities): maximum 7 days The deadline has been set.
Rural areas: in villages and hamlets 15 days Electricity will have to be supplied inside. If these deadlines are violated, the power company will have to pay a maximum fine of Rs 1,000 for every day of delay.
Smart meters and ‘powerful’ consumers: Now you have control over the system
The main objective of the new supply code is to eliminate the laziness of the electricity department and bring transparency. Now consumers will not be just ‘customers’ but ‘powerful users’.
Burnt Meter: In case of burning or malfunctioning of meters in cities, the department 24 hour It has to be changed within.
Freedom from Provisional Bill: The department will no longer be able to send average bills for more than two billing cycles. If the company does not take actual readings, the consumer will have a legal right to refuse to pay the bill.
Public hearing will be held on April 16, you can also give suggestions
Bihar Electricity Regulatory Commission (BERC) has released the draft of this new supply code on its official website. Before finalizing this revolutionary change 16 April 2026 A public hearing will be held on. In this, the general public, experts and power companies will be able to express their opinions. The Commission believes that this step will not only curb corruption but will also ensure high-quality electricity service to remote areas of Bihar.
The new system will be equipped with smart technology
Special emphasis has been laid on digitalization in the new rules. The entire process from application to collection of fine will be online and transparent. Consumers will continue to know the status of their applications through the mobile app. By fixing the accountability of officers, the culture of suppressing files will end and ‘ease of living’ will be promoted.
