🗓️Last Updated: June 2026

New Electricity Connection India 2026

Step-by-step guide to applying for a new domestic, commercial, or industrial electricity connection through your state DISCOM. Covers BESCOM, MSEDCL, TNSEDCL, UPPCL, WBSEDCL, KSEB, and other state DISCOMs — with documents, security deposit, meter charges, and inspection process.

🔗energyportal.gov.in — Official Portal →

📋 Overview

A new electricity connection in India is issued by the state Distribution Company (DISCOM) under the Electricity Act 2003 and the Rights of Consumers Rules 2020. Under these rules, DISCOMs are mandated to release a Low Tension (LT) domestic connection within 7 days in metropolitan areas, 15 days in other municipal areas, and 30 days in rural areas — failing which they incur penalties. Connections are categorised as LT Domestic (up to 10 kW), LT Commercial, LT Industrial (up to 100 kW), and HT (above 100 kW). Most states now offer online application through their DISCOM portals or the common energyportal.gov.in. Key state DISCOMs include: BESCOM (Karnataka), MSEDCL (Maharashtra), TNSEDCL (Tamil Nadu), UPPCL (Uttar Pradesh), CESC / WBSEDCL (West Bengal), KSEB (Kerala), TPDDL / BRPL / BYPL (Delhi), DHBVN / UHBVN (Haryana), and PSPCL (Punjab). The process typically involves submitting an application, a site inspection by a DISCOM engineer, receiving an estimate, paying the security deposit and service connection charges, and then getting the meter installed.

✅ Eligibility

  • ✓Any Indian citizen who is the owner or legal occupant of the premises to be energised.
  • ✓Tenant applicants must provide a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the property owner or a valid rent/lease agreement.
  • ✓Commercial and industrial applicants must have a valid premises registration; factories require a factory licence.
  • ✓Agricultural pump connection applicants must own or lease the agricultural land where the pump will be installed.
  • ✓Premises must meet DISCOM's safety standards — wiring must be done by a licensed electrical contractor.
  • ✓For HT connections (above 100 kW), an approval from the Chief Electrical Inspector (CEI) is required before release.

📁 Documents Required

▸Aadhaar card of the applicant (mandatory for identity and address proof).
▸Proof of ownership: registered sale deed, property tax receipt, or municipal document in the applicant's name.
▸Tenant/occupant proof: registered rent/lease agreement or NOC from property owner.
▸Site plan / premises layout indicating the proposed meter location and load requirement.
▸Passport-size photograph of the applicant.
▸Wiring completion test report and certificate from a licensed electrical contractor.
▸For commercial premises: GST registration, trade licence, or Shop & Establishment Act certificate.
▸For industrial connections: factory licence, pollution control board consent, and load sanction letter.
▸NOC from the housing society or building association (for apartments/flats).
▸For agricultural connections: land ownership / lease documents (7/12 extract or Pahani).

💰Fees & Processing Time

Fee
Security deposit (refundable): LT Domestic ₹1,000–₹5,000; LT Commercial ₹2,000–₹10,000; LT Industrial ₹5,000–₹50,000 depending on contracted load. Service Connection Charges: ₹500–₹3,000 for LT domestic. Meter charges: ₹800–₹2,500 for single-phase, ₹2,000–₹5,000 for three-phase (varies by state and meter type). Testing & inspection fee: ₹100–₹500. All charges vary by DISCOM and load category.
Processing Time
LT Domestic in metro/corporation area: 7 working days from payment. LT Domestic in municipal area: 15 working days. LT Domestic in rural area: 30 working days. LT Commercial/Industrial: 30–45 days (requires load sanction). HT connections: 60–90 days. Under Rights of Consumers Rules 2020, delays attract compensation payments to the consumer.

🖥️ How to Apply Online

  1. 1Visit your state DISCOM portal (e.g., bescom.org, mahadiscom.in, tneb.in, upenergy.in) or the unified energyportal.gov.in.
  2. 2Register with your mobile number and email address, then log in to the consumer portal.
  3. 3Select 'New Service Connection' and choose the connection category: LT Domestic / LT Commercial / LT Industrial.
  4. 4Fill in the application form with applicant details, premises address, proposed load in kW, and meter location.
  5. 5Upload scanned copies of all required documents: Aadhaar, ownership proof, site plan, wiring certificate.
  6. 6Submit the application and note the Application Reference Number (ARN) for tracking.
  7. 7A DISCOM field engineer will visit for site inspection within the stipulated timeframe and prepare a cost estimate.
  8. 8Log in to the portal with your ARN, review the estimate, and pay the security deposit and connection charges online.
  9. 9The DISCOM will schedule meter installation; you will receive an SMS/email confirmation with the date.
  10. 10After meter installation, the connection is energised and you receive your new Consumer Account Number.

🏢 How to Apply Offline

  1. 1Visit the nearest DISCOM Customer Care Centre or Subdivision Office; carry all original documents.
  2. 2Collect the 'Application for New Service Connection' form (Form-A in most states) from the counter or download from the DISCOM website.
  3. 3Fill in the form with applicant details, load details, premises address, and connection category.
  4. 4Attach self-attested photocopies of all required documents: Aadhaar, ownership/occupancy proof, site plan, wiring certificate.
  5. 5Submit the completed application at the counter; obtain a signed acknowledgement receipt with the application number.
  6. 6A DISCOM Junior Lineman (JLM) or Assistant Engineer (AE) will conduct a site inspection and prepare an estimate.
  7. 7Return to the DISCOM office (or pay online) to submit the security deposit, meter charges, and service connection charges.
  8. 8The DISCOM will schedule the connection work; the lineman installs the meter and service cable.
  9. 9Collect the Consumer Ledger Card or Service Connection Order with your new Consumer Number.

⚠️Common Problems & Solutions

✗Application rejected due to incomplete wiring certificate
→Hire a licensed electrical contractor (LEC) recognised by the State Electrical Licensing Board. They will inspect internal wiring, carry out load testing, and issue a completion certificate on their official letterhead. This document is mandatory for connection release.
✗Delay beyond the mandated timeline with no explanation
→Under the Rights of Consumers Rules 2020, file a complaint on the DISCOM portal with your ARN, specifying the date of application and payment. DISCOMs must pay ₹50–₹500 per day of delay as compensation. Escalate to the State Electricity Regulatory Commission (SERC) if unresolved.
✗High estimate / unreasonable charges quoted by DISCOM
→Request the itemised estimate break-up in writing. Compare it with the tariff schedule published by the State Electricity Regulatory Commission (SERC). If overcharged, file a complaint with the DISCOM Consumer Grievance Redressal Forum (CGRF) or the Ombudsman.
✗Ownership documents not in applicant's name
→Obtain an NOC from the registered owner notarised by a Notary Public, or submit a registered rent/lease agreement. A Municipal property tax receipt in the owner's name, along with a declaration of permission, is also accepted by most DISCOMs.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q.What is the difference between LT Domestic and LT Commercial connection?

LT Domestic is meant for residential use with a contracted load up to 10 kW and enjoys lower per-unit tariffs. LT Commercial is for shops, offices, and business establishments and is charged at a higher commercial tariff. Misusing a domestic connection for commercial purposes can attract penalty and disconnection.

Q.Is it possible to apply for a connection online in all states?

Most states with major DISCOMs (BESCOM, MSEDCL, TNSEDCL, UPPCL, CESC, KSEB, Delhi DISCOMs) offer fully online applications. Some smaller DISCOMs in North-Eastern states and rural areas may require a physical visit. Check your state DISCOM's website for the online portal link.

Q.How is the security deposit calculated?

Security deposits are typically calculated as an equivalent of 2–3 months of estimated electricity bills, subject to minimum and maximum limits set by the SERC. For LT Domestic, this usually ranges from ₹1,000 to ₹5,000 depending on contracted load. The deposit is refundable when you surrender the connection.

Q.Can a tenant apply for a new electricity connection?

Yes. Tenants can apply with a registered rent/lease agreement and an NOC from the property owner. Some DISCOMs allow a simple consent letter; others require a registered document. The connection is issued in the tenant's name but the premise address is linked to the owner's records.

Q.What is a load sanction and when is it required?

Load sanction is a formal approval from the DISCOM for the proposed connected load. It is mandatory for LT Commercial connections above 10 kW and all Industrial and HT connections. The DISCOM's engineering team reviews the load requirement and approves it based on the local distribution infrastructure capacity.

Q.What happens if the DISCOM does not release the connection within the mandated timeframe?

Under the Rights of Consumers Rules 2020, if the DISCOM fails to release a connection within the stipulated period (7/15/30 days depending on area type), the applicant is entitled to compensation at the rate specified by the SERC — typically ₹50–₹100 per day of delay. File a complaint on the DISCOM portal.

Q.Can I get a single-phase connection upgraded to three-phase later?

Yes. Submit a load enhancement / conversion application through the DISCOM portal or office. An engineer will inspect and assess feasibility. Additional security deposit and conversion charges apply. The process typically takes 15–30 working days.

Q.What is energyportal.gov.in and can I use it for all states?

The National Power Portal (energyportal.gov.in) is managed by the MoP and provides a unified interface for new connections in several states. However, many large state DISCOMs have their own separate consumer portals. Always check whether your state DISCOM accepts applications through the national portal or their own portal.

📞Helpline & Support

  • ▸National Helpline: 1912 (electricity consumer helpline, available in most states)
  • ▸BESCOM (Karnataka): 1912 / bescom.org consumer portal
  • ▸MSEDCL (Maharashtra): 1800-200-3435 / mahadiscom.in
  • ▸TNSEDCL (Tamil Nadu): 94987-94987 / tneb.in
  • ▸UPPCL (Uttar Pradesh): 1912 / upenergy.in
  • ▸CESC (Kolkata): 1800-345-3666 / cesc.co.in
  • ▸KSEB (Kerala): 0471-2555544 / kseb.in
  • ▸TPDDL/BRPL/BYPL (Delhi): 19124 / tatapower-ddl.com
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Disclaimer: NagrikIQ is an informational platform and is not affiliated with any government department. Information provided is for guidance only. Always verify details on the official government portal before taking action.