DERC simplifies electricity connection transfers for property buyers in New Delhi
The Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC) announced on Friday that it has amended its regulations to ease the process of transferring electricity connections during property sales, purchases, or transfers to legal heirs in New Delhi. The regulatory change aims to significantly reduce paperwork and establish a direct institutional link between sub-registrar offices and utility services in the city.
Under the newly amended rules, an applicant seeking a connection transfer due to a change in property ownership or transfer to a legal heir must apply to the concerned power distribution company (discom) in a prescribed format. Once the discom receives the seller’s name and consumer account number, alongside the buyer’s name, email, and mobile number, it will process the transfer. The new process eliminates the need for a separate request or additional documents.
This update amends Sub-Regulation (1) of Regulation 17 of the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (Supply Code and Performance Standards) Regulations, 2019.
The amendment mandates that discoms must complete the connection transfer within two billing cycles. If the discoms fail to meet this specified timeline, they are required to pay compensation to the applicant.
A senior government official stated that the move will improve service delivery and protect homebuyers from inheriting old electricity liabilities. Previously, property buyers had to submit a separate application along with various documents, including ownership proof, identity proof, and occupancy documents. Officials noted that the previous process was time-consuming and required multiple visits to discom offices.
The amendment will help bridge the gap between property registration and utility services by creating an institutional linkage between sub-registrar offices. To initiate the transfer, applicants will still need to submit the initial application to the concerned discom, after which the simplified process will be completed.
Additionally, the Delhi government is working on a separate proposal for the automatic transfer of utilities in case of land transfer through a common land management authority. This proposed system is expected to function under the Directorate of Survey and Settlement.
