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Chandigarh, Nov 18 (IANS) Punjab Power Minister Sanjeev Arora on Tuesday announced that the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) will now issue electricity connections to applicants without a No Objection Certificate (NOC) after they give a mandatory affidavit.
He said the move reflects the government’s commitment to provide basic amenities to residents without any delay while ensuring that legal procedures are followed.
Arora said earlier applicants had to submit clearances like NOC, regularization certificate or approved building plan issued by local authorities before getting an electricity connection.
“However, people were facing extreme hardship due to unavailability or delay of these approvals from various departments. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann directed us to find a practical solution. Today, that solution has been implemented,” he said in a statement.
As per the revised instructions, electricity supply connection will now be released to all applicants, as per the applicable provisions of the Supply Code 2024, on submission of an affidavit by the applicant that their electricity connection may be disconnected if the premises is subsequently declared illegal or unauthorized by any appropriate authority.
Further, the applicant shall be required to pay an amount equal to the service connection charges as security to cover the dismantling charges, in addition to all normal applicable charges payable as per the Supply Code 2024.
Arora clarified that the new mechanism balances public convenience with necessary safety measures.
He said, “The government believes that every household deserves access to essential services. This decision ensures that citizens are not deprived of electricity.”
The Power Minister directed the officials to ensure strict and meticulous compliance of the revised guidelines with emphasis on transparency and uniform implementation across the state.
He said that simplification of application forms and digitization of records for obtaining electricity connection is being done on priority basis.
Earlier, PSPCL had decided that applicants or consumers seeking new connection or change in load up to 50 kW under low tension category will not be required to submit any test report from a licensed electrical contractor or any self-certification or signed document for electrical installation of the premises.
Instead, the online application form will contain a declaration in which the applicant will give an e-declaration
–IANS
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