Punjab Newsline, Punjab
Mandatory Undertaking to Replace Multiple Local-Body Approvals
In a significant relief for the residents of Punjab, Power Minister Sanjeev Arora on Tuesday announced that the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) will now issue electricity connections without requiring any No Objection Certificate (NOC). Instead, connections will be granted based solely on a mandatory undertaking submitted by the applicant.
Terming the move a people-centric reform aligned with the vision of National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal and Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Arora said the change will eliminate long-standing delays caused by the need for approvals from multiple local agencies. Previously, residents seeking new connections were required to produce NOCs, Regularisation Certificates or Sanctioned Building Plans from authorities such as municipal corporations (MCs), GMADA, GLADA, JDA, ADA, PDA, or BDA, often resulting in long wait times and public inconvenience.
Arora noted that Chief Minister Mann had instructed the department to find a practical and immediate solution to the problem, and the revised guidelines represent the fulfilment of that directive.
Under the new norms, power connections will now be issued in accordance with the Supply Code 2024, once applicants submit a written undertaking acknowledging that their electricity supply may be disconnected if the premises is later found to be illegal or unauthorized. Additionally, applicants will be required to deposit an additional security amount, equivalent to the Service Connection Charges, to cover potential dismantling costs. Standard fees applicable under existing rules will also continue to apply.
Calling the decision a balanced step, Arora said it ensures public convenience while still maintaining necessary safeguards to protect the state's interests. He emphasized that the reform will help citizens receive timely access to essential services without bureaucratic hurdles.
The Minister has instructed PSPCL officials to ensure transparent and uniform implementation of these new rules across all districts, without any deviation. He further highlighted that the government is working towards simplifying application forms, digitising records, and accelerating service delivery to improve consumer experience across Punjab.
In another major step to ease procedures, PSPCL has also removed the requirement of a test report from licensed electrical contractors for Low Tension (LT) connections up to 50 kW. This has now been replaced by a simple self-declaration uploaded with the online application, making the process faster and more user-friendly.