8.1 DISCONNECTION
A premises is liable to be disconnected if the consumer is a defaulter in making payments of the energy consumption charges bill(s), or if he is using the electric connection for a purpose other than for which it was sanctioned, or if he has extended his load beyond the sanctioned load even after receipt of a notice in this respect from the DISCO.
Disconnection Procedure
(a) The consumer shall be bound to pay his energy bill within due date specified in the bill or with the late payment surcharge if paid after due date, before the issuance of the next month bill.
(b) In case of non payment of the previous months electricity bill, the DISCO shall serve a clear 7 days notice to the defaulting consumer to either clear the out- standing dues with the current bill or face disconnection and penal action.
(c) Upon non receipt of payment even after the expiry of the notice period, the supply of the defaulting premises shall be disconnected. In such cases the disconnected supply shall not be reconnected or restored by the DISCO until full payment along with late payment surcharge has been made by the consumer.
The power supply of the consumers who are allowed by the DISCO to make the payment in installments shall not be disconnected. However, if a consumer further defaults in making payment of installments, the power supply of such a consumer shall be disconnected without any further notice and shall only be restored after receipt of all arrears.
(d) The power supply of a defaulting consumer shall not be disconnected who has lodged a complaint/petition against any wrong billing or any dispute relating to the payment of energy bill with DISCO, the Electric Inspectors office/ Provincial Office of Inspection or NEPRA (for all such, proper restraining orders shall be issued). DISCO shall also not disconnect the supply if a restraining order to this effect has been issued from any court of law.
(e) If a consumer extends his existing load beyond the sanctioned load he shall be issued a notice along with evidence thereof to apply for extension of load within one month of the receipt of notice. The DISCO shall disconnect the power supply if the consumer fails to avail this opportunity.
8.2 Disconnection on consumer’s request.
Temporary disconnection of supply is allowed to a consumer on his/her request, for a period of 30 days subject to the following terms and conditions:-
a) That the consumer has paid the final bill up to the day immediately preceding the intended date of request for temporary disconnection.
b) That exemption in payment of minimum/fixed charges will be admissible for the actual period of disconnection subject to a maximum of 30 days consecutive days during a period of twenty four consecutive months;
c) That no reconnection fees shall be charged if the consumer gets the connection restored immediately after the expiry of the period of disconnection allowed to him/her;
d) A seasonal consumer or a consumer whose connection is lying disconnected shall not be eligible to the allowance given in the temporary disconnection;
e) After the expiry of the period allowed for disconnection as per clause (b) above, the connection shall be deemed to have been restored for payment of minimum/fixed charges even if the consumer does not request for reconnection and does not use electricity. In case the consumer defaults in making the future bills, his/her connection may be disconnected and equipment installed at his premises to supply energy be removed after service of notice as per disconnection procedure. Restoration of supply to such a premises shall also be regulated as per the Reconnection Policy as given in section 8.3
A consumer who intends to get his/her premises disconnected shall apply to the load sanctioning Authority of the connection concerned, who will arrange the final bill from the Revenue Officer concerned. After payment of final bill, the respective load sanctioning Authority will approve the disconnection. Disconnection for consumers supply shall be effected through removal of, such facilities to avoid misuse of electricity during the period of disconnection.
NOTE: In all cases of reconnection/MCOs or any case where meter is changed for any other reason, Part III and Part IV of the application form will be filled out and a copy sent to the consumer for his information duly signed by the officer in charge.