ELECTRICITY SUPPLY REGULATIONS ((SECTION-IV) ENERGY METER & METER RENTALS

61. PROVIDING METERING EQUIPMENT:

61.1 A correct meter of suitable capacity shall be installed at the point of commencement of supply on the premises of the consumer for measuring the energy supplied to him in items of section 26 of the Indian Electricity Act,1910, which interalia states, "In the absence of an agreement to the contrary the amount of energy supplied to a consumer or the electrical quantity contained in the supply shall be ascertained by means of a correct meter and the licensee shall, if required by the consumer cause to be supplied with such a meter."

61.2 The consumer may, if he so elects, cause his own meter duly tested at the Board's Laboratory or tested by Chief Electrical Inspector to Government Punjab, to be installed which will be sealed by the Board. The consumer shall ensure that he purchases a meter of good quality and the meter should bear ISI Certification mark and it should pass various tests as per Indian Standard specification and Board's specification from the firms duly approved by the Board from time to time.

61.3 Deleted

61.4 Installing meters for general ,agricultural and industrial supply:

61.4.1 Meters installed for recording the industrial and general consumption of an industrial consumer should be housed in two independent meter-cup-boards( the cost of these MCBs is to be recovered from the consumer) so that the seal of meter-cup-board installed for industrial consumer is not unnecessarily broken in the event of any fault in the general supply meter. Such a step is necessary for minimizing the chances of access by any unscrupulous consumer to the meter and/or MDI installed for recording industrial consumption. Agricultural connections shall be released only after installation of suitable capacity meter (preferably electronic meters).

61.4.2 TPT/KWH meters having CTs and PTs should be housed in the cubicles standardized by PSEB and sealed by the officer concerned in such a manner as to eliminate the chances of tampering and meddling with the equipment by the consumers.

61.4.3 Metering the Consumption of Stone Crushers: The metering of the stone crushers should be done on 11 KV even under MS category and consumption should be metered at 11 KV. 7.5% discount as admissible shall be allowed if the transformer is installed by the consumer otherwise no rebate shall be allowed where Board's transformer is installed.

62. SITE FOR INSTALLATION OF METER:

62.1 In accordance with condition No.22 of the" Conditions of Supply' the Board reserves to itself the right to fix the position of the meter.

62.1.1 The energy meter should be installed at the commencement of supply, as far as possible, just near the entrance of the premises so that it is easily accessible to the Board's employees for reading and testing etc.

62.1.2 Energy meter should be installed at a dry place. If it is doubtful that the location selected for the meter may not be dry under all conditions of weather, it should be installed in a water proof case. Where meters are installed in very dusty places such as in rice shellers, flour mills, saw mills or surkhi or lime mills, stone crushers etc., these must be installed in dust proof chambers, and inspected at intervals not exceeding 3 months.

62.1.3 The site of the meter should be selected with due regard to consideration of economy as well as the convenience of the Board employees in the discharge of their duties. As far as possible, the meter should be installed at a place where entry into purdah or religious place is not involved for its reading, checking or testing etc.

62.2 Location of metering equipment for LS/BS connections.

62.2.1 No new LS or BS connection will be released unless the consumer provides a separate room of approved design/specifications adjacent to the main entry gate for installation of metering equipment. The room will have access from inside the factory premises.

62.2.2 All 11 KV connections having load of 1 MW or above, rice Sheller connections, ice factories, stone crushers and cold storages shall also provide separate room of approved design/specification adjacent to the main entry gate for installation of metering equipment. The design and size of the room shall be intimated to the consumer in the form of drawing to be supplied by Director/DS(Engg.). The gate of the room may be from within the factory premises. Cost of shifting of meters including the cost of cable will be borne by the Board. Location of the metering room will be decided in consultation with the Sr.XEN/Addl. SE(Enforcement).

62.2.3 Director/Enforcement while advising the shifting of meter/metering equipment will keep in view that the working of meter/metering equipment is not likely to be adversely effected due to dust, excessive vibration of the energy consuming apparatus/D.G.Sets of the consumer etc.

63 SEALING OF METERS ETC:

After the meter has been tested in the ME Laboratory and found to be working within the limits of accuracy, the cover of meter which encloses the vital mechanism for measurement and recording of energy consumed, shall be sealed by ME Organization lest it is tampered with by any un-authorized person. The meter cover seals originally affixed by ME staff should not be tampered with by other employees of the Board. The meter terminal and MCB seals of meter/secondary equipment will be affixed by the Board officials, as follows:-

Note:- In Sub-Division where there is no post of AAE or the post is vacant , the sealing work assigned to AAE shall be done by AE/AEE/Op. concerned.

63.2 Normally it should be ensured that meter terminal cover and MCB seals are affixed by the competent authority at the time of release of connection. Where it is not possible to do so due to circumstances beyond the control of competent authority, the connection may be released by affixing seals by an authority one step lower than the competent authority ( not applicable in case of J.E.). However, in such cases the proper sealing must be done by the competent authority within a period of 10 days.

63.3 Detailed instructions of checking of various connections by different authorities have been given in Reg. No.134.5. it is also incumbent upon the officer/official taking over the charge of a sub-office/Sub-Division to check the connections as per standing instructions contained in Reg.No.112 as amended from time to time. While carrying out such checking, where an officer/official is competent to affix the seals, he will break open such seals at the time of checking and affix his own seals. Where the sealing authority is other than the checking authority and the checking authority suspects the working of meter to be defective without breaking open the seals, the seals may be broken to confirm the defective working/wrong connections of such metering equipment if considered necessary and fact about breaking seals brought to the notice of competent authority for re-fixation of seals immediately. However, in the meanwhile in such cases the checking authority will affix his own seal/paper seal which shall later on be replaced by the competent sealing authority. Normally the seals affixed by higher sealing authority as defined in Para 63.1 above shall not be broken by lower sealing authority. In rare and emergent circumstances, if it becomes necessary to break open the seal for checking of connections, the seal may be broken with the approval of sealing authority or in his presence.

63.4 Paper seals are also affixed by the Enforcement Officers alongwith the consumer's signatures during the course of the checking of the consumers.

63.4.1 If the existing seals are broken during checking by Enforcement officers, paper seals should be affixed so that the metering equipment is not left un-sealed till new seals are replaced by the concerned officer responsible for resealing.

63.4.2 The meter and the metering equipment be kept under observation and the same is not to be disturbed.

63.5 The paper seals wherever affixed by Enforcement Officers to keep the meter/metering equipment under observation as per Para 63.4.2 shall be removed within a period of three months. In case it is still necessary to keep such industrial units under watch, new paper seals be affixed by Enforcement Officer for a further period of three months. Under no circumstances the paper seals affixed by Enforcement Officer be allowed to continue beyond six months.

63.6 In order to obviate the possibility of tampering with the meters by unscrupulous consumers by providing fake seals, paper seals in addition to lead seals should also be affixed by the concerned officers in respect of consumers having load more than 50 KW. In doubtful cases paper seals in addition to lead seals will be affixed by the concerned officers irrespective of load of the consumer.

63.7 Record of such paper seals should also be maintained in the relevant MSR (Meter Sealing Register). Normally paper seals should be affixed on meter terminal cover, meter cover and CT/PT chamber. Whenever paper seals so affixed are found to be damaged either by the officer responsible for providing seals or some other officer/official, the sealing officer should replace the paper seals by making suitable entries in the MSR to this effect.

63.8 In order to offset even remove chances of theft of energy by LS/MS consumers, all the metering equipment provided with CT/PT units shall be properly sealed and holes, if any existing, should be carefully plugged. CT/PT terminals should be taped. Special care should be taken in checking such consumers whose average monthly energy bill is more than Rs.1 Crore.

64 RESEALING OF METERS ETC.

64.1 It should be ensured that seals affixed by the Board on the metering equipment always remain intact. Whenever breakage of seal comes to notice, it should be replaced by the authority who had originally affixed it without any undue delay. In such cases, where it is established that the seals affixed at the time of releasing the connection were not broken by the Board employees, necessary charges for resealing as provided in the schedule of 'General Charges' should be recovered.

64.1.1 Before resealing the meter terminal cover, it should be ensured that the terminal connections of the meter including connections of CTs and PTs are in order.

64.1.2 Before resealing the meter terminal cover, it should be ensured that the terminal connections of the meter including connections of CTs and PTs are in order.

64.1.2 The record of monthly consumption of such a consumer should also be checked to verify if his consumption in the last few months has not been abnormally low. In such a case depending on its merits and if there is strong suspicion of some foul play, the account of the consumer maybe adjusted as per the procedure laid down under Reg. No.73.

64.1.3 Future consumption viz-a-viz the previous consumption should be kept in view to arrive at some final decision to overhaul the accounts of the consumer.

64.1.4 Concerned officers required to affix seals should take due care while performing their duty. In case the seals affixed by them are found to be intact by Enforcement checking authorities and the consumer is found to be indulging in theft of energy and meter is found to be recording less due to wrong connections, it shall be assumed that the officer./official who had affixed the seals is also conniving with the consumer in indulging in theft of electricity or malpractice.

64.1.5 As regards industrial consumers where the meter involves connections through CTs/PTs and/or having MDIs, if the seals of the meter cup-Board and meter terminal cover etc. are broken for attending to some fault in the supply or the meter or for some other reason, the seal should be affixed by the AE/AEE/XEN(Ops.) without delay so that the consumer is not in a position to meddle with the metering equipment. In case the AE/AEE/XEN(Ops.) is not available at the headquarters, the AAE/JE should affix the seals, which should be replaced by the AE/AEE/XEN(Ops.) immediately on his return. Matter with regard to sealing by the AAE/JE should promptly be reported in writing as well as orally to the AE/AEE/XEN.

64.1.6 Cases of consumers in the sub-offices should also be dealt with likewise and the AE/AEE/XEN(Ops.) must see to the sealing work of these consumers on his next visit to the sub office which should be arranged at an early date. In case of ordinary industrial consumer the seal of the meter-cup-Board may in the first instance be fixed by the AAE/JE concerned but the AE/AEE/XEN(Ops.) should replace it during his periodical inspection. However, if the seal relates to meter terminal cover, it should be replaced by the AE/AEE/XEN(Ops.) at the earliest.

64.2 Meter Cover Seals Affixed by Metering Equipment Labs: In addition to recovering the resealing charges as per the schedule of ' General Charges' , it has further to be ensured that the seal has not been broken by the consumer intentionally with a view to indulge in theft of energy by tampering with the internal mechanism of the meter. In order, therefore to plug this potential source of leakage of revenue, following procedure should be adopted whenever any case of the breakage of ME/Meter Cover Seal comes to notice.

64.2.1 Authorized representative of the Board as detailed under Reg.No.63 should be deputed for affixing paper seals under his signature on cover of the meter to ensure that it is not possible to open the meter cover without tearing the paper seals.

64.2.2 He will keep the broken seals if found at site in :as found conditions so that the same can be offered as evidence in court of law or before 'Dispute Settlement Committee". The factum of breakage of seal or its collection from site, if possible, should be got confirmed from the consumer by getting his signature on the ' Memorandum of Inspection and Seizure' for evidence.

64.2.3 He should also try to see if there are any other signs of tampering with metering equipment to suppress the recording of actual consumption of energy. He will record all such sign/pieces of evidence in the memo of inspection and seizure which may be witnessed by the consumer or his representative at site. A copy of the said memo shall be handed over to the consumer/his representative at site.

64.3 In case theft is not established, meter may be replaced through MCO and meter sent to ME Lab for testing and checking.

64.4 If theft of energy is established, the meter should be removed/replaced. The meter so removed should be kept in sealed container under signatures of the consumer as well as the checking authority for further investigations and the consumer be asked to deposit the compensation and AACD in terms of Condition No.43 of Conditions of Supply and Reg.No.133.3.

64.5 Defective/Inoperative Meter:

64.5.1 If the meter is found to be running slow by more than 3% before replacing the meter the consumer should be asked to given a undertaking in writing that he will pay the additional charges, if the meter on actual testing in ME Lab is found to be running slow.

64.6 After removing the old meter, it should be replaced with a new meter after charging the meter changing fee. The meter on removal should be sent to the ME Laboratory within a maximum period of 15 days and account of the consumer should be adjusted immediately on receipt of the test results from the ME Lab.

64.7 All the meters removed against MCO shall be first checked by concerned JE./AAE and only such meters shall be packed in cardboard box where theft of energy is suspected. Cardboard boxes shall be sealed and duly signed by concerned JE/AAE and the consumer /representative of the consumer. Testing of such meters should be done in the presence of the consumer or his representative. In case the consumer refuses to sign the meter test results./report such meter shall be kept sealed in the Operation Sub-Divisions till final disposal of the case. In case of meters where theft of energy is not suspected by JE and the meter is sent to ME Lab without packing if theft of energy is deducted later on pertaining to such meter then JE concerned shall be held responsible.

65 SECURITY DEPOSIT AND MONTHLY RENTALS:

65.1 If the prospective consumer desires the Board to supply and install the meter on monthly rental basis, he will have to deposit the security therefore as per the 'Schedule of General Charges" as amended from time to time.

65.1.1 Where meters are installed by the Board at the premises of AP consumers meter rentals shall be recoverable. However in case of Flat rate Tube well consumers where meter is installed by Board for sample metering, no rentals shall be chargeable. The consumer shall however be responsible for maintenance and upkeep of meter to avoid any damage to the meter. In such cases if meter is found damaged its cost will be recoverable from the consumer.

65.2 Meter Hire if the Meter is supplied by the Board:

In addition to paying the security deposit a consumer shall have to pay the following monthly meter rentals in accordance with Schedule of General Charges, as amended from time to time. Rates in force w.e.f. 1.4.2000 are as under:-

1. Single Phase E/M Meter Rs.11/- per month.

2. Single Phase Electronic Meter Rs.22/- per month.

3. Three Phase/Poly Phase E/M Meter Rs.25/- per month

(Without CTs)

4. Poly Phase Electronic/Static Meter Rs.41/-permonth 3x 10-40 A

5. Three Phase LT meters with CTs.

i) 50/5 Amp. CTs Rs. 57/- per month

ii)100/5A, 150/5A, 200/5A,300/5A

and 400/5 Amps CTs Rs. 42/- per month

6. LT CT operated Solid State/Electronic Rs.125/- per month

meters (without CTs)

7. Solid State/Electronic HT/LT TPT Rs.320/- per month

metering equipment(without CT/PT units)

8. Other LT/HT Polyphase meters/metering: 1.6 paise per rupee

equipment not covered under Item 1 to 7 cost of the meter/ above and CT/PT units given in Para-66.1.4. metering equipment

per month.

Note: Rate of meter rental for Board employee for domestic connections will be 50% of the rates prescribed under Schedule of general charges.

65.2.1 DELETED.

66 CONSUMER'S RESPONSIBILITY FOR LOSS OR DAMAGE OF METER:

As per Condition No.34 of the Conditions of Supply, consumer will be responsible for any loss or damage to the meter whether caused maliciously or through culpable negligence or default on the part of the consumer or any of its employees, and shall be responsible for paying the cost of repairs or of the meter itself if the same is declared to be irreparable by the XEN/ME in accordance with the following procedure:-

66.1 Cost of burnt/ partially damaged meters at the premises of DS, NRS and SP consumers shall be recovered as per the rates circulated by the CE(Comml.) from time to time or as contained in Schedule of General Charges. The charges in general shall be regulated as under:-

66.1.1. Whenever a meter after getting damaged 50% of the cost of meter rounded off to the nearest rupee, be got deposited from the consumer found to be at fault.

66.1.2 Whenever a meter after getting damaged can be repaired in the ME Lab, lumpsum amount irrespective of the actual cost of the repairs be got deposited as under:-

66.1.2.1 Single Phase Meter E/M Rs.200/- per Meter

66.1.2.2 Single Phase Electronic meter Rs.400/- per Meter

66.1.2.3 Three(Poly) Phase E/M Rs.350/- per Meter

66.1.2.4 Three (Poly)Phase Electronic/Static Meter Rs.700/- per Meter

66.1.3 For other categories of consumer, full cost shall be recovered.

66.1.4 Amount recoverable from the consumer when the meter is found to be damaged owing to negligence or default or the part of the consumer will be as under w.e.f 1.4.2000 and shall be subject to modification from time to time. The amounts given hereunder are inclusive of the replacement charges of the damaged meters.

66.1.5 Before recovery of cost of damaged/partially damaged meters, investigation should be carried out as provided in Reg.No.67.

66.2 If 11 KV CT/PT unit is damaged, full cost is to be recovered before replacing the damaged CT /PT unit. The cost to be recovered shall be as per cost of CT/PT unit circulated from time to time.

66.3 If a meter/metering equipment of requisite capacity is not available, the consumer should be informed to arrange his own meter/metering equipment of requisite capacity.

67. FOLLOW UP FOR DAMAGED OR BURNT METER.

67.1 If an energy meter/metering equipment or a component thereof is reported dead stop, damaged or burnt, before replacing the meter the site shall be inspected by AE/AEE/XEN(Ops.) in respect of 'LS' 'MS' and 'BS' consumers. However, ordinary cases of general meters reported dead stop by Meter Readers and Meters Inspectors may be inspected by the J.E. The AE/AEE/XEN(Ops.) should carry out investigation and record his report on the following lines to determine as to whether the damage to meter is due to the default/negligence on the part of the consumer as per provision laid down in clause 34 of the 'Conditions of Supply' :-

67.1.1 Whether the seal of M.C.B meter terminal cover, meter cover and CT/PT junction box are intact.

67.1.2 Whether there are any unauthorized extensions.

67.1.3 Any outward and physical signs of damage.

67.1.4 Any leakage of rain water into the equipment or meter.

67.1.5 Any lightning effect.

67.1.6 Any sign of spark-over at the terminals.

67.1.7 Any other causes.

67.2 Whenever meter is reported burnt/defective by any domestic consumer(Single Phase only) direct supply shall be allowed by the Lineman on duty at the complaint centre. After restoration of supply, the lineman shall issue 'Direct Supply' order for which a bound order; book having copies in triplicate shall be made available at all the complaint centres by the Divn. office. The order book shall be issued direct to the lineman and its record maintained in the Divnl. Office.

67.2.1 The Lineman on duty will record day and time of giving direct supply alongwith other information and will also simultaneously get consent of the consumer on the 'Direct Supply' order that he will deposit necessary charges which may be debited to his account by the Board through his electricity bill. The lineman shall hand over first copy of the 'Direct Supply' order to the consumer immediately thereafter. The 2nd and 3rd copy of the order book shall be handed over to the JE Incharge of the area on the very next day for submission of his complete report. The JE shall check the meter thoroughly and give his complete report regarding reasons of burnt/defective meter. The 2nd and 3rd copy of the order book duly filled in shall be handed over by the JE to the SDO/RA on the next working day for further action in the matter.

67.2.2 The RA shall issue meter change order for replacement of burnt/defective meter and hand over to JE on the same day. The JE shall get the meter replaced immediately and shall also record total time on the MCO for which supply of the consumer remained direct. After effecting the MCO, the same shall be returned to the RA for debiting the required charges to the consumer's account through SC&A register. After making all the entries in the 2ndk and 3rd copy of direct supply order, the 2nd copy shall be pasted in the Sundry Register and cross entry made on the MCO. The 3rd copy shall be returned back to JE for pasting in the job order book for reference and record.

67.2.3 It shall be the sole responsibility of the lineman to keep 'Direct Supply" order; book intact/complete. In the event of completion of a order book, the same shall be deposited with the Divisional Office and new book got issued by the Lineman. It shall also be sole responsibility of the lineman to ensure availability of the direct supply order book at the complaint centre. In the event of transfer of a lineman from one complaint centre to another he shall hand over his order book to his successor. A handing over note shall, however, be recorded in the order book duly countersigned by the JE Incharge.

67.2.4 The order book shall be got printed by the Sr.XEN/Addl.SE/Op. as per enclosed proforma. Each book shall carry Sr.No.having 100 leaves in triplicate. Each leaf of the book shall carry machined No. The complete record regarding issue/receipt of order; book to/from lineman shall be maintained in the Divn. Office.

67.2.5 It will be the primary responsibility of the Sub-Divisional Officer (AE/AEE/XEN/Op) to ensure the compliance of the above mentioned guidelines/instructions. In case of failure strict disciplinary action shall be taken against the delinquent officers/officials.

67.3 The damaged/burnt meter alongwith first report will be forwarded to ME Laboratory by AE/AEE/XEN(Ops.) within one week after the damaged / burnt meter is replaced after recovering the cost of the meter from the consumer. The officer Incharge of ME Laboratory after carrying out the test checks, shall send his report to AE/AEE/XEN(Ops.) concerned within one month in case of various categories of consumers excepting LS & BS exceeding 100 KW and MS consumers . Report in respect of meters with MDI, CTs and PTs for LS or BS etc. shall be prepared by MMTS. Non compliance of these provisions by any of the officers/ officials will be considered as negligence entailing disciplinary proceedings. After receipt of report from AE/AEE/ME Laboratory/MMTS, the case shall be decided and the cost of estimated damage adjusted as under from the amount got deposited from the consumer in the first instance.

67.3.1 For Domestic/NRS and AP consumers the extent of responsibility of the consumer for the damage will be decided by the AE/AEE/XEN(Ops.).

67.3.2 For Industrial, Bulk Supply and Street Light consumers for loads up to 100 KW the extent shall be decided by the Sr.XEN/ASE(Ops.)

67.3.3 For Large, Bulk Supply and Street Lighting with loads exceeding 100 KW, the meter shall be decided by the SE(Ops.)

67.3.4 Cost of replacement or repairs of the Board's meter on hire with the consumers, which might get damaged due to floods or any act of God will not be recovered.

67.4 Defective meters need to be replaced on priority in preference to meters to be issued for installation against new connections.

67.5 As per provisions of Condition No.34, recovery, if any, is to be effected after serving the consumer with a notice of show cause. If the amount of recover is more than Rs.5,000/- the consumer shall have the right to appeal against any recovery.

67.6 At the time of issue of MCO, record entry shall be made in the ledger duly attested by the ARA/RA. A check register shall be put up to the AE/AEE/XEN(Ops.) by the consumer Clerk at the close of the month. All those MCOs / SCOs which are not received back within one month from the date of issue may be brought to the notice of Sr.XEN/ASE concerned every month so that proper check on issue and return of MCOs can be maintained besides making cross entry in the ledger.

67.7 Direct Supply in case of LS Consumers:- Direct Supply in case of Large Supply consumers can be allowed only in exigencies by CE/Operation for only 3 days and if circumstances still persist, then direct supply can be given beyond 3 days & that too with the written approval of respective CE/Operation.

68. RESPONSIBILITY OF INSTALLING CORRECT METER.

68.1 In accordance with the provisions of section 26(2) of the IE Act,1910, a correct meter shall be installed, sealed and maintained by the Board at the point of supply of the consumer. As the responsibility of installing a correct meter and maintaining it correct is that of the Board, AE/AEE/XEN(Ops.) should take particular care to see that every meter before it is installed has been tested in the ME Lab. and ME seal on the meter cover is in tact, and that it continues to operate correctly.

68.2 If the meter installed by the Board becomes inoperative or inaccurate at any stage, no rental should be recovered from the consumer for the period the meter remains inoperative or inaccurate.

69 ACCURACY OF THE METER:

69.1 According to the Rule 57 of the Indian Electricity Rules, 1956 a meter or maximum demand indicator or other apparatus placed upon a consumer's premises in accordance with section 26 of the Indian Electricity Act shall be of appropriate capacity and shall be deemed to be correct if its limits of error are within the limits specified in the relevant Indian Standard specification and where no such specification exists, the limits of error do not exceed 3% above or below absolute accuracy at all loads in excess of one tenth of full load and up to full load.

69.2 It also provides that no meter shall register at no load while testing a meter.

69.3 The meters/metering equipment to be installed at the consumer's premises should be of appropriate capacity depending upon the connected load/contract demand and the maximum demand of the consumer. Similarly C.Ts matching the load as well as meter should be installed.

70. CHECKING THE ACCURACY OF METERS:

70.1 Steps to be taken for routine checking of the energy meters:

70.1.1 In order to ascertain whether the meter is working or not, Meter Readers should switch on one or two lights for a few seconds before taking monthly meter reading and watch that the disc of the meter revolves in the correct direction.

70.1.2 Meter Inspectors, JEs, AE/AEE/XEN(Ops.) and Sr.XEN/Addl.SE (Enforcement) should conduct the accuracy test at site with the help of a stop watch for a short period by putting on a small load of known wattage and counting the number of revolutions within a specified period to be determined with the help of stop watch.

70.2 Whenever a meter is found to be in-operative byanyemployee9other than XEN Enforcement) of the Board, the matter should be brought to the notice of AE/AEE/XEN(Ops.) in writing so that immediate steps may be taken to replace it and for taking any other action as deemed proper.

70.3 Whenever a meter is found to be inaccurate by Sr.XEN/Addl. SE(Enforcement), the matter should be brought to the notice of AE/AEE/XEN(Ops.) and SR.XEN/Addl. SE(MMTS) (particularly in respect of large supply consumers) in writing. On receipt of the report, the Sr.XEN/Addl. SE(MMTS) should check the accuracy of that meter at site in the presence of AE/AEE/XEN(Ops.) and the consumer after which immediate steps should be taken by AE/AEE/XEN(Ops.) to replace the inaccurate meter and also to take other action as required pursuant to the checking.

70.3.1 If the meter installed at the premises of a medium supply industrial consumer is found/suspected to be defective or inoperative, it should be got checked/tested from Sr.Xen/Enforcement with the help of ERS meter at site. Sr.XEN(Op.) shall also carry out checking in respect of tampering of seals and genuineness of ME/MTC(Meter Terminal Cover) or CT chamber seals.

70.4 Testing of Meters other than LS consumers by Enforcements/MMTS;

Such meters shall be tested by the officers of enforcements/MMTS with the help of Electronic Reference Standard Meters at normal running load/power factor of the consumers subject to the condition that the running load shall not be less then 15%of the sanctioned load. Before testing the meters, CTs connections wherever applicable shall be thoroughly checked. If CTs connections are found wrong or CTs are found out of circuit and thus not contributing, the recorded consumption shall be enhanced proportionately, keeping in view non-contribution of CTs as applicable. This consumption shall be further subject to revision as per test results of the meter as under:-

70.4.1 If the meter has error within or equal to ± 3% , the accounts of the consumer need not be overhauled. If, however, the error exceeds + 2% and is up to + 3% and if the consumer requests for change of meter the request may be accepted. If the error falls between ?2% and ?3% , the meter of the consumer should be changed without any request from the consumer.

70.4.2 If the error is beyond ± 3%, the meter shall be declared defective for replacement and the accounts should be overhauled.

70.4.3 In case the %age error is up to ± 20%, the results should be applied straight away on the recorded consumption for overhauling of accounts. If the %age error exceeds ± 20% and the meter shall be declared erratic. For overhauling the accounts of the consumer, the monthly consumption recorded during the period of overhauling shall be subjected to ± 20% error factor and compared with the consumption as worked out in case of dead stop meters and higher of the two should be taken for the purpose of overhauling the accounts provided there has been no change in connected load during the period. If there is change in connected load during the period of overhauling, the chargeable consumption worked out shall be enhanced/reduced proportionately. The overhauling of account shall be carried out for a maximum period of 6 billing months preceding the billing month of detection of defect/error in the meter. If the month/date of meter getting defective/erratic can be established with certainty being within 6 preceding billing months, overhauling of consumption will be restricted up to that month/date.

70.5 Testing of Meters of LS, MS and BS consumers:

Testing of meters by MMTS will be regulated as under:-

70.5.1 Testing of metering equipment shall be carried out in ' as found condition' in the presence of consumer or his representative. Retesting will only be admissible in rare cases depending on the merits of the case.

70.5.2 If the metering equipment on testing is found to be beyond the limits of accuracy, it shall be kept in as found condition under signature of the consumer by affixing paper seals till the consumer accounts are overhauled and amount recovered.

70.6 Testing of Meters by MMTS and ME Divisions:

70.6.1 Meter testing both by MMTS and ME Labs for Large supply consumers( and other consumer as and when required) shall be carried out at the same loading steps so as to tally the results in the ME Labs. and spot testing. These steps will at zero, 10, 25, 50, 75 and 100% loading of the meter capacity.

70.6.2 In case the meter tested by MMTS/ME Lab shows results within ± 3% at all loads between 10% to 100%, the meter will neither be changed nor the accounts of the consumer overhauled. However, in case the results are beyond ± 3% at any loading level between 10% to 100% the meter will be declared defective for replacement and account shall be overhauled on the basis of error factor at the operating level defined below:-

70.6.2.1 The operating level for meters with MDIO will be taken as 80% of the average maximum demand of the consumer as recorded during the last three correct working months. The error factor of MDI meter, if any, shall not be considered for taking the average maximum demand for the purpose of working out of operating level.

70.6.2.2 For consumers other than large supply where MDI meter is not installed, the operating level shall be taken as 50% of the sanctioned connected load. However, it is clarified that standard power factor of 0.88% lagging and rated voltage of the meter shall be taken into account for working out current loading of the meter corresponding to the operating level connected load.

70.6.3 Before testing the meters by MMTS, the CTs/PTs connections must be thoroughly checked. Where CTs/PTs connections are found wrong or CTs/PTs are fond out of circuit and thus not contributing, the recorded consumption should be enhanced proportionately keeping in view non-contribution of the CTs/PTs as applicable, and this consumption shall be further subject to revision as per test results of the meters as per Para 70.6.4 and 70.6.5 below.

70.6.4 In case where %age error of the meter is up to ± 20%, the results obtained shall be applied straight way on recorded consumption and accounts overhauled accordingly, except the power factor surcharge and demand surcharge.

70.6.5 If %age error of the meter is more than ±20%, the meter shall be declared erratic. For overhauling the accounts, the monthly consumption recorded during the period of overhauling, shall be subjected to ±20% error factor and compared with the consumption as worked out for a dead stop meter( i.e. average consumption of the last 3 to 6 months or average of the consumption of corresponding months of the previous year whichever is higher) and higher of the two taken for the purpose of overhauling, provided there has been no change in connected load/contract demand, the chargeable consumption worked out above shall be enhanced/reduced proportionately.

70.6.6 All reference standard meters and meter testing equipment used by PSEB for testing of consumers meters at consumers premises, in ME Labs. or elsewhere may be got tested from NPL Delhi or ERTL New Delhi or any other laboratory recognized by Central Govt./NABL once in two years. The test certificates may be shown to the consumer if requested during the checking of his meter.

70.7 Instruction for levying Power Factor Surcharge:

70.7.1 Where KWH/KVAH meters are correct i.e. after testing the test results are within the permissible limits and the power factor is less than 88% due to inadequate/higher capacity of shunt capacitors installed, very low load factor/demand factor of the consumer, higher capacity meter /metering equipment and CTs installed etc. the power factor surcharge shall be levied as per provisions made in the Tariff Schedule in this regard and no relief shall be given on this account.

70.7.2 Where on testing either KWH or KVAH or both are found exceeding the limit of ±3%, the power factor in such cases shall not be computed on the basis of such test results, notwithstanding the fact that these test results are less or more than ± 20% and have been adopted for working out KWH/KVAH consumption as per Para 70.6.4 and 70.6.5 above for the purpose of calculating the energy charges. Power factor surcharge in such cases, shall be levied for the period of overhauling on the basis of average power factor computed for correct working period of three months preceding the period of overhauling.

70.8 The overhauling of accounts shall be carried out for a maximum period of 6 months preceding the date of detection of defective metering equipment. But where the month/date of the meter getting defective can be established with certainty, being within six preceding months, overhauling of consumption/power factor figures would be restricted up to that month.

70.9 Normally a defective meter should be changed within a week of testing. Where it is not possible to do so due to non availability of meter etc. recalibration of the meter already installed at the consumers premises, by removing it, should be resorted to and meter reinstalled positively within 15 days. For the period defective meter is not changed, the average power factor shall continue to be adopted and KWH consumption worked out as per provisions of Para 70.6 and 70.7 above till the meter is changed.

70.10 The authority for deciding the consumption/power factor surcharge as per recommendations involving financial implications up to Rs.10,000 shall be Director(Billing) whereas CE/EIC(Comml.) shall decide cases above Rs.10,000/-.

70.11 Testing of MDI Meters:

The maximum demand indicator(MDI) installed at the premises of LS consumers and others shall continue to be tested for accuracy at 75% and 100% of the contract demand of the consumers. For charging the consumer for defective MDI meters provisions of Reg. No. 78 shall be followed.

71 PROCEDURE WHEN A METER IS CHALLENGED:

71.1 Meters installed at the premises of DS/NRS/BS/SP consumers at supply voltage less than 11000 volts.

71.1.1 Whenever a complaint regarding the faulty behavior of an energy meter belonging to the Board is received, the Meter Inspector or JE should be asked to visit the premises and test the meter at site with the help of a stop watch. If on testing, the complaint of the consumer is found to be correct, the meter should immediately be replaced. If, however, any loss to Board is suspected, the dismantled meter should be expeditiously got tested from ME Lab. and the accounts of the consumer be overhauled on the basis of the results intimated by Xen/ME. Full details of the extra amount assessed to the consumer should be intimated to him as a separate bill. The consumer, if he so likes, may make a representation or appeal against such an assessment.

71.1.2 In case the complaint of the consumer is not corroborated by the test carried by the meter inspector or JE, the consumer should be informed accordingly. If the consumer does not feel satisfied, he may be advised to formally challenge the accuracy of the meter and deposit the requisite meter challenge fee.

71.2

71.2.1 If any consumer doubts the accuracy of the meter/metering equipment installed at his premises, it may be changed if so requested by him. However, the meter shall be procured by the consumer himself and it shall be got tested/calibrated from the Board's laboratory after the payment of necessary charges. This will not entitle the consumer to any refund due to change in average consumption of the consumer. The consumer will be entitled for refund etc. only if he challenges his old meter and gets it tested in the ME Lab after depositing the challenge/testing fee. The accounts of the consumer will be revised only according to the test results of the ME Lab.

71.2.2 In case the consumer does not accept the readings of the check meter or insists in the very beginning to send the challenged meter to ME Laboratory, he should deposit the meter challenge fee. After the challenge fee is received, the meter should be sent to the ME Lab. promptly after removal but in no cast it should be delayed beyond a period of fifteen days from the date of removal of the meter from the consumer's premises. While sending the challenged meters to the ME Lab this fact must be clearly indicated on the MCO and AE/AEE ME be requested for intimation of test results at the earliest. After the meter is received in the laboratory, it should be promptly tested and test results intimated to the AE/AEE/XEN(Ops.) concerned by ME Lab. within a maximum period of seven days from the date of receipt of the meter in the laboratory. The AE/AEE/XEN(Ops.) will then immediately intimate the result to the consumer and after getting his acceptance adjust the accounts accordingly. The whole process should , in no case, take more than a month.

71.2.3 The period, for which the refund is to be allowed, should be determined on the merits of each case. Normally, the period may not exceed three months. If, however, the circumstantial evidence or the variation in consumption warrants the adjustment for a longer period, the refund may be allowed up to a maximum period of six months.

71.3 Meters relating to LS and MS Consumers:

71.3.1 When the metering equipment of a consumer other than LS getting supply at 11 KV is challenged, testing shall invariably be entrusted to Sr.XEN/Addl. SE/MMTS who will test the meter as per procedure detailed in Regulation No.69 in the presence of AE/AEE/XEN(Ops.) and the consumer or his representative. The testing of 11 KV consumers other than LS metering equipment shall not be carried out by ME Lab. It shall be carried out in as found condition by MMTS. However, after the defective meter at the consumer's premises is removed and sent to ME Lab, the same shall be calibrated and tested there. This procedure for dealing with challenged meters/metering equipment should invariably be followed in case of MS consumers with character of supply 11000 volts 50 cycles, as per Regulation 70.

71.3.2 When the metering equipment of a consume getting supply at LT is challenged, it shall be replaced immediately and got tested with all previous seals intact from ME Lab and the results shall be intimated by the AEE/ME to the concerned sub division and the consumer and his( consumer) acceptance should be obtained. In case the consumer does not agree with the results, metering equipment should be kept by the AE/AEE/XEN(Ops.) with all previous seals intact to be subsequently got tested, if so desired, from the Chief Electrical Inspector to the Punjab Govt. The result of such test by Chief Electrical Inspector will be final and binding on the consumer under provisions of Section 26(6) of Indian Electricity Act,1910.

71.4 Meters installed at the consumers premises other than LS category shall be tested by Enforcement/MMTS with the help of ERS meters at normal running load/power factor of the consumer subject to the condition that the running load shall not be less than 15% of the sanctioned load. Before testing meter, the CT connections wherever applicable shall be checked thoroughly. Where CT connections are found wrong or CTs are found out of circuit, the recorded consumption shall be suitably enhanced keeping in view non contribution of CTs as applicable. In case the meter has error within or equal±3% , the accounts of the consumer may not be overhauled. However, if the error exceeds +2% and is up to +3% and consumer request for change of the meter, the request shall be accepted. If the error lies between ?2% & -3%, the meter of the consumer should be changed without any request from the consumer.

71.4.1 In case the error is upto± 20%, the results obtained shall be applied straight way on the recorded consumption and the accounts overhauled accordingly.

71.4.2 In case the error is in excess of ± 20%, the meter shall be declared erratic. The accounts of the consumer shall be overhauled by taking ± 20% error factor and compared with the consumption as worked out in the case of a dead stop meters. Higher of the two shall applied for overhauling the accounts provided there is no change in connected load. If, however, there is change in connected load during the period, the chargeable consumption shall be proportionately enhanced/reduced as the case may be.

71.4.3 The overhauling of accounts shall be carried out for a maximum period of 6 billing months preceding the billing month of detection of defect/error in the meter.

71.4.4

Officers of Distribution Organization are also authorized to check the accuracy of MS category of connections with electronic ERS meters. Such meters will be packed and sealed under the signatures of checking Distribution Officer & consumer. However, these meters shall continue to be opened in ME Lab. in the presence of Enforcement Organization and consumers representative(s) for external/internal inspection so as to ensure that cases are not involved in theft of energy are detected timely.

71.5 In respect of LS consumers, testing of meters shall invariably be entrusted to Sr.XEN/ADDL.SE(MMTS) who will test the meter as per procedure detailed in Reg.No.70 in the presence of AE/AEE/XEN(Ops.) and the consumer or his representative. However, Sr.XEN/ ADDL.SE (MMTS) may also carry out testing of metering equipments of other categories of consumers which are specifically entrusted to him by the competent authority. Testing of LS consumer's metering equipment shall not be carried out by ME Labs. It should be carried out in position by the MMTS. However, after defective meter at the consumer premises is removed and sent to ME Lab., the same shall be calibrated and tested there.

72. ADJUSTMENT OF ACCOUNT FOF CHALLENGED METERS:

Following procedure shall be followed in overhauling the accounts of different consumers who challenge the meters and their meters are got tested from MMTS/ME Labs:-

72.1 For Industrial/bulk Supply and NRS consumers

72.1.1 All energy and KVAH meters(excluding MDI's) will continue to be tested and recalibrated in accordance with the IE Rules and ISS. In case of disputed/doubtful meters, testing shall be done at steps of loads of 10%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% of the meter capacity.

72.1.2 If the error at any loading exceeds 3%, meter will be declared defective.

72.1.3 For overhauling the accounts in case of defective meters pertaining to LS consumers, the slowness/fastness factor will be computed on prorata basis of the test result corresponding to 80% of the average maximum demand of the consumer as recorded during the last 3 correct working months preceding the month of testing. Slowness/Fastness factor in case of SP, MS, NRS and Bulk Supply Consumers will be computed on prorata basis of the test results corresponding to 80% of the sanctioned connected load of the consumer as annotated here under:-

Example:-

Load of consumer 900 KW

Contract Demand 700 KVA

CT Ratio 100/5

Meter Ratio 200/5

Energy meter is tested with following results:-

Supposing the errors determined at different load are:-

At10% full load : %age error (-) 10

25% : " (-) 7

50% : " (-) 5

75% : " (-) 1.0

100% : " (-) Nil

Since the error at any load between 10% and 100% is more than 3%, the meter is defective and slow.

Let Average of maximum demand recorded during last six months from the date of testing be equal to 625 KVA. Then slowness factor is to be calculated corresponding to 80% of 625 KVA i.e. 500 KVA.

Corresponding Current at 500 KVA :500 /100x 5.25= 26.25 Amps.(11 KV)

%age load on which slowness factor :26.25x100 = 26.25 = 26.25%

to be computed 100

Error at 25% : -7%

Error at 50% : -5%

Error at 26.25% : -7 + (-5+7)x1.26

25

: -7 + 0.11 = - 6.89%

Slowness Factor : -6.89%

If recorded monthly consumption as shown by the meter is (say) 40000 Units, the chargeable consumption will be 100/93.11x40000x1 = 42960 KWH.

AEE/MMTS after testing of meter will supply the test results alongwith the slowness/fastness factor to the consumer and AE/AEE/XEN(Ops.) concerned on the date of testing. The consumer should convey his reaction to the test results within a week of receipt of notice to AE/AEE/XEN(Ops.) otherwise it will be assumed that the consumer has accepted the test results and slowness/fastness factor and the meter will be replaced within the correct metering equipment besides over-hauling consumer's accounts retrospectively up to a maximum period of six months.

72.3 Necessary recovery should be made from the consumer for 2960 units (42960 ? 40000) for that month by finding out the difference between the bills for 40000 units and 42960 units. Similar calculations should be made for each month of the period for which the recovery is to be made on account of slowness factor.

72.4 The maximum demand indicator(MDI) installed at the premises of LS consumers should be tested for accuracy at 75% and 100% of the contract demand of the consumer at whose premises the said MDI has been installed. The consumer accounts be over-hauled on the basis of the percentage error so determined. In the event of MDI being defective and the maximum demand being more than the contracted demand, no demand surcharge for the increased demand so computed for previous period shall be levied provided the consumer's connected load is well within the sanctioned connected load. The consumer's connected load will also be verified when the MDI meter is fund inoperative/defective regarding the time period during which the load checking of the consumer is to be considered for implementing the MMTS results, the same shall be :-

72.4.1 The load checking of the consumer shall be done by the AE/AEE/XEN(Ops.) immediately but not later than one week of testing of the meter by the MMTS/Enforcement staff.

72.4.2 While sending the report of MMTS/Enforcement checking to the Dy.Director/CBC, AE/AEE/XEN(Ops.) shall also send a copy of the report of the last checking carried out by him, if any, within 6 months before the checking of the MMTS/Enforcement.

72.4.3 In case Dy.Director/CBC has any doubt about the aforesaid details, he may seek advice of Sr.XEN/ASE(Ops.) concerned for proper billing of the consumer.

72.5 For DS Consumers:

Account of a DS consumer who has challenged a meter and whose meter is got tested from ME Laboratory should be adjusted as under:-

72.5.1 On receipt of test results from AE/AEE/XEN/ME, it should be verified whether the meter is correct or not in terms of Rule 57 of the Indian Electricity Rules,1956, In case the inaccuracy of the meter exceeds +3% at any load even though the average inaccuracy may be less than +3%, necessary adjustment should be carried out in consumer's accounts after striking out the average of percentage errors at different loads. Following example will illustrate the procedure to be adopted.

Supposing the errors determined by testing are:

At 10% Full Load : - 2.5%

25% " : - 0.5%

50% " : +1.5%

75% : 3%

100% " : 3.5%

(+ means fast, - means slow)

Average error : -2.5-0.5+1.5+3+3.5/5 = +1%

If recorded monthly consumption as shown by the meter is (say) 400 units, the chargeable consumption will be 100 x400 = 396.04 Units.

101

72.5.2 Necessary refund should be given to the consumer for 3.96(400 ? 396.04) Units, for that month by finding out the difference between the bills for 400 units and 396.04 Units. Similar calculations should be made for each month of the period for which the adjustment is required to be made.

73 ADJUSTMENT OF ACCOUNT IF METER FOUND DEFECTIVE:

Following procedure shall be adopted whenever an energy meter on the premises of a consumer is found to be defective.

73.1 Dead Stop or Burnt Meter.

73.1.1 On receipt of a report regarding a meter becoming defective, dead stop or burnt, it should be immediately replaced and necessary inquiries conducted. The meter alongwith the report should be forwarded to Xen/ME for further action.

73.1.2 So far as charging the consumer for the period the meter remained inoperative is concerned, average consumption of last 4 or 6 months or the average of the same months of the previous year or the actual recorded consumption, if any, whichever is higher shall be compared with the consumption as under and higher of the two figures shall be charged to set the consumer's account right finally.

73.1.3 In case extension of load was granted to the consumer, probable consumption should be increased on prorata basis for the period extension of load was utilized by the consumer.

73.1.4 Where consumption of previous three/six months in case of industry is not available, adhoc consumption on the basis of load factor and demand factor of the industry, as circulated by the CE(Comml.) from time to time, shall be worked out and shall be provisionally billed and after installation of correct meter, the consumer's account for the previous period shall be overhauled on the basis of average consumption/power factor/maximum demand actually recorded during the next three working months.

73.2 In order to ensure that seals affixed to the metering equipment of LS consumer have not been tampered, the genuineness of the seals shall be got checked up by the Operations Officers from Sr.XEN /Addl.SE (Enforcement) before such meters are sent to ME Labs for further action.

73.3 Inaccurate Meters( Other then LS consumers)

73.3.1 If accuracy of a single phase meter is doubtful or the meter is found creeping forward, no adjustment in accounts may be carried out but the meter should be replaced.

73.3.2 If the inaccuracy of a single phase meter is pronounced or in case of three phase meters, which may be suspected/found to be incorrect, the consumer should immediately be informed in writing that the meter already installed at his premises is incorrect or has been tampered with by the consumer, as the case may be, and after determining the %age inaccuracy his accounts will be adjusted as per the test results in terms of Condition No.22.6 of the Conditions of Supply. As far as possible the existing metering equipment should not be disturbed or tampered with so that it remains in the ' as found conditions'.

73.3.3 The consumer's meter with load up to 20 KW on challenge be changed and test results of the meter so removed be obtained from ME Lab for overhauling of accounts.

73.4 For LS/MS Consumers:

73.4.1 In respect of LS consumers if the working of meter/metering equipment is found to be inaccurate, the matter may be referred to concerned XEN(MMTS/ Enforcement) for getting the same tested. The testing shall be done by XEN/MMTS at consumer's premises in 'as found condition'. Procedure prescribed in Reg.No.70.5 shall be followed.

73.4.2 In case a meter is found to be inaccurate by Sr.XEN/Addl.SE (Enforcement), the intimation of the same shall be given to Sr.XEN/Addl. SE(MMTS) for checking the same at site in 'as found condition' in the presence of the consumer or his representative. In order that the metering equipment found inaccurate is not disturbed or tampered with, paper seals be affixed by Sr.XEN/ Addl.SE (Enforcement) under intimation to AE/AEE/XEN(Ops.) and Sr.XEN/ Addl SE(MMTS) . After testing by MMTS if the meter is found inaccurate, the same shall be paper sealed jointly by AEE/Sr.XEN(Ops.) and the consumer and kept in ' as found condition' till the accounts are overhauled.

\

73.4.2.1 Overhauling of accounts and sending supplementary bill to the consumer.

On the basis of the checking carried out under regulation No.70.5 the Centralised Billing Cell shall overhaul the consumer's account expeditiously on receipt of RSS/test results from the MMTS which shall also deliver a copy of the test results to the consumer or his representative after the testing is over.

73.4.2.2 On receiving the supplementary bill from the Dy. Director(Central Billing), the AE/AEE/XEN(Ops.) will send the supplementary bill-cum-notice to the consumer separately. In case Sr.XEN/Addl.SE(MMTS) had not supplied a copy of the test results to the consumer after carrying out the test, a copy thereof may also be attached to the supplementary bill and in case he has any objection he may challenge the bill as per the procedure laid down within a period of one week failing which it will be presumed that he has no objection to making the payment on the basis of the test carried out by MMTS.

73.4.2.3 If the consumer accepts the test results of MMTS, and makes the payment, the defective metering equipment should be removed immediately and action to install a correct metering equipment taken on urgent basis.

73.4.2.4 If the consumer contests the test carried out by the MMTS, the consumer has the option to get the meter tested from the Chief Electrical Inspector or else his representation may be reviewed by the competent authority i.e. Circle Level Dispute settlement and Reconciliation Committee depending upon the amount of the supplementary bill. In such a case the consumer should make 33% payment of bill where the bill amount is up to Rs.1 lac or in excess of Rs.1 lac inclusive of enhanced security for which powers have been delegated to SE(Ops.) and CE(Ops.) respectively. The consumer will have the opportunity of hearing by the review committee. The consumer will also have the right of appeal as is admissible in the case of supplementary bills raised in the case of theft of electricity. However, the disputed meter be kept intact

73.4.2.5 In case the consumer does not opt for any of the above courses and challenges the test results or the supplementary bill in the court or obtains stay order, all out efforts should be made to get the stay vacated or if the same has not been granted the court may be requested not to entertain the matter and direct the consumer to get his grievances redressed by taking recourse to the opportunities available to him in the board or from the Chief Electrical Inspector under section 26(6) of the Act. In such a situation the meter should not be replaced and be allowed to remain in position. A new meter may also be installed so that the same registers the correct consumption. Future billing should be carried out on the basis of the new meter. In case the consumer is neither prepared to refer the matter to Electrical Inspector nor comes forward to pay the amount billed to him, he should be served with a show cause notice as per the procedure prescribed under Regulation No.124,133.3 to 133.9.

73.4.2.6 All out efforts should be made to get the matter settled either under section 26(6) or through the dispute settlement and reconciliation committee.

73.4.2.7 If the meter is found to be working accurately but is found otherwise running slow due to wrong/unstandard connections, %age error be determined through testing by RSS meters. Overhauling of accounts shall be done for the period the mistake/defect continued.

73.5 If LS meter/metering equipment goes defective within 15 days of its installation, the same maybe replaced by the concerned operation officers themselves after ensuring the genuineness of seals without referring to Sr.XEN/Addl.SE (Enforcement). The defective meter, thus replaced shall be sent to ME Lab by AE/AEE/XEN(Ops.) officers promptly.

73.6 Replacement of meter of MS consumer:

If metering equipment installed at the premises of MS consumer is found to be defective or inoperative, it should be replaced after getting it checked/tested from the Sr.XEN/Addl.SE MMTS/Enforcement in respect of tampering of seals and genuineness of ME/MTC or CT chamber seals. Such meters shall be sent to ME Lab. The testing should be carried out within15 days from the request by AE/AEE/XEN(Ops.).

73.7 A consumer, who has been debited additional charges, has also the option to refer the matter to the Electrical Inspector whose decision will be binding on the parties. In such an eventuality the disputed inaccurate meter should not be removed. As a matter of fact old meter should remain in position until the Electrical Inspector has made the requisite investigation. The consumer should be billed on the basis of the check meter findings of Sr.XEN/Addl. SE(MMTS) in the intervening period.

73.8 The cases involving incorrect connection, defective CTs/PTs, genuine calculation mistake etc. are not governed under the above mentioned instructions but under the provision of Condition No.23 of the Condition of Supply which read as under:

"Where the accuracy of meter is not involved and it is a case of incorrect connection or defective CTs and PTs, genuine calculations mistakes etc. charges will be adjusted in favour of Board/consumer, as the case may be, for the period the mistake/defect continued."

74. DIFFERENCE OR DISPUTE OVER THE ACCURACY:

Where any difference or dispute arises as to whether any meter is or is not correct, the matter can be decided, upon the application by either party to Electrical Inspector under Section 26(6) of the Indian Electricity Act,1910, as amended from time to time, and if in his opinion, the meter is not correct, the Electrical Inspector shall estimate the amount of adjustment to be carried out in the consumer's account for a period not exceeding six months preceding the date of test. Provided that before the Board or a consumer applies to Chief Electrical Inspector, he shall give to the other party not less than 7 days notice of his intention to do so.

75 CHANGING THE POSITION OF A METER:

75.1 On receiving a request from the consumer for the change of site of the meter, J.E. should visit the site and assess the expenditure involved in such a change, If no material is involved in the job, a fee as laid down in Schedule of General Charges as amended from time to time maybe recovered, but if the job involves new material, the estimated cost together with 27½ % departmental charges, as amended from time to time, should be got deposited before undertaking the job.

75.2 If the change in the position of the meter is necessitated due to an act of God e.g. floods, no charges for changing/shifting may be recovered.

75.3 No meter change fee will be recoverable if a consumer wants to get his own meter re-installed after it has been got tested from the Board's laboratory as a result of periodical checking or on being found defective.

76. INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE OF METER SUPPLIED BY THE CONSUMER.

76.1 Under Section 26 of the Indian Electricity Act,1910, the consumer has the option to instal his own meter. Whenever consumer desires to exercise this option, the following facts should be brought to his notice:-

76.1.1 As enjoined under Section 26(3) of the Indian Electricity Act, the expense and onus of keeping the meter correct falls upon the consumer, and in default of his doing so, the Board may, after giving him 7days notice for so long as the default continues, cease to supply energy through the meter.

76.1.2 If at any time the accuracy of the consumer's meter is challenged by the Board, the meter will need to be tested by the Electrical Inspector to Govt. Punjab or by the ME Laboratory of the Board on payment by the consumer of the prescribed charged.

76.1.3 If the meter proves to be correct, the consumer will be entitled to get back the above charges. Before, however, a meter from the consumer is accepted for installation, it should be ensured that it has been duly tested and sealed either by the Chief Electrical Inspector or by the Board's ME Lab and that the test result is satisfactory.

76.1.4 If a consumer wants his solid state TPT meter to be installed at the premises, it should be got tested/sealed from the high tech. lab(s) established by the Board.

76.1.4.1 Sr.Xen/Addl. SE(MMTS) should be associated with the testing of such a meter in the ME Lab. The meter should also be tested at site by the Sr.XEN/Addl. SE(MMTS) within 15 days of its installation.

76.1.4.2 XEN/AEE/AE(Ops.) while accepting such meters shall obtain copy of Test Report of the manufacturer and place it in the consumer file for reference and record.

77. PURCHASE OF METER BY THE CONSUMER:

77.1 In the event of the consumer desiring to install his own meter, the meter, if there is no shortage , may be supplied by the Board. The selling prices of the meter will be:-

77.1.1 Stock issue rate plus storage charges or the market rate whichever is higher plus.

77.1.2 Supervision Charges.

77.1.3 In addition to this, the consumer will have to pay the installation and the departmental charges.

77.1.4 In case of permanent disconnection or the meter becoming defective such meter should be sent to ME and in case the consumer does not come forward to take back the meter, the same may be kept in ME Lab duly accounted for.

78. TAKING READING OF M.D.Is

78.1 There have been frequent cases in which M.D.Is installed at the consumer's premises have been found defective on the reading date of the month. This may leave the Board without indication as to what the maximum demand of the consumer might have been during the month. Following guidelines are laid down for working out the maximum demand if the MDI installed at the consumer's premises becomes defective /inoperative/dead stop.

78.1.1 Maximum demand recorded during the preceding three months immediately before the MDI became defective.

78.1.2 MDI recorded during the corresponding months of the preceding year, provided the same functioned properly in the said months of preceding year and three had been no extension in load thereafter.

78.1.3 75% of the contract demand; and

78.1.4 In the case of consumers being fed through independent feeder, the load may also be computed from the half hourly volts and amps readings as recorded on the log sheet.

78.2 The competent authority to decide the MDI readings to be charged in such a case will be Director/Billing.

78.3 The consumers shall not be allowed to increase their connected load or contract demand during the period the MDI remained defective or inoperative. However, if it is not possible to get the MDI repaired or replaced in a reasonable period say three months, and the increase in contract demand and connected load has to be allowed, the MDI figures worked out in accordance with Para 78.1 shall be correspondingly increased.

78.4 If any un-authorized extension is detected during the period the MDI remains defective, the MDI readings computed as per guidelines above shall be proportionately enhanced.

78.5 The procedure as provided in preceding Para shall also be applicable, if MDI becomes defective immediately after release of extension in load.

79. INSTALLATION OF METER CUP BOARD-CHARGING OF RENTALS:

79.1 Meter/Metering equipment shall be installed in an MCB(meter cup board) whose design has been approved by the Board. MCB can be provided by the Board, if so requested by the consumer. However, the consumer may provide his own MCB of the design and specifications laid down by the Board. Standard MCBs will be displayed in the offices of the Board for the convenience of the consumers.

79.1.1 Existing connections where the meter cup board has not been provided or if provided are not of the design approved by the Board, a 30 days registered notice may be issued by the field officers to all such consumers for providing the meter cup board of approved design, otherwise, the Board shall provide the same at consumer's cost and will debit rentals as per prescribed rates through energy bills.

79.2 Rental of MCB:

In case the MCB is provided by the Board, the consumer shall pay the monthly MCB rentals as prescribed by the Board from time to time. Rates in force at present are as under:-

1. For Single Phase LT Meter MCB -Rs.6/-

2. For Three Phase LT meter MCB -Rs.8/-

3. For LT/HT metering equipment -@ 1.6 paise per rupee of the cost of MCB.

4. For LT 3 phase CT operated TPT -Rs.22/-

Meter of any make.

5. For Metering equipment LT CTs of -Rs.22/-

item 4 above.

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