Relief for Noida Residents: Builders Barred from Charging for Common Area Electricity

In a significant development for residents of Noida, Vidyut Nigam has taken a groundbreaking decision that will bring relief to nearly 40,000 families residing in 35 societies across the city. After an incident came to light in a city society, Vidyut Nigam has issued a directive that builders can no longer charge residents for electricity consumed in common areas. This decision aims to ensure fair billing practices for common areas and protect consumers from unjust charges.

Detailed Report:

1. The New Directive: Under this new directive, builders are no longer allowed to bill residents for electricity usage in common areas across 35 societies. However, they can continue to charge for other common amenities. This decision was prompted by an incident reported in a city society.
2. Multiple Connections: Vidyut Nigam has been actively providing multiple connections to approximately 40,000 consumers across 35 societies in recent weeks. Residents of these societies will now directly pay their electricity bills to Vidyut Nigam.
3. A Case in Point: A resident of Seven X Society, Aashish Kumar, brought to light that Vidyut Nigam was deducting electricity charges for common areas from his pre-paid meter, while the builder continued to charge him separately. Following intervention by the Consumer Council, Vidyut Nigam issued an order clarifying that builders cannot charge for electricity in common areas where 100% multiple connections have been provided. Any such violation would be against the Electricity Supply Code 2005.
4. Societies Benefitted: The multiple connection scheme has been implemented in various societies, including Ajnara, Keptown, Jodieck, Apex, Sikka Karmic Green, Panchsheel Apartment, among others.
5. How to Avail Multiple Connections: Residents interested in the multiple connection scheme can fill out a connection form and submit it to the nearest electricity sub-center. Once 51% of the residents submit their forms, the process to provide connections under the scheme will commence.
6. Background: Vidyut Nigam introduced the multiple connection scheme in August 2018 to simplify the process for residents living in builder societies. This initiative allows society residents to directly obtain connections from Vidyut Nigam and make direct payments, eliminating the risk of arbitrary charges by builders.
7. Official Statements: Shivam Tripathi, Executive Engineer at Vidyut Nigam, emphasized that in societies with 100% multiple connections, builders cannot charge for electricity in common areas. Residents facing such issues are encouraged to report them. Rajiv Singh, Chairman of NOFA, praised Vidyut Nigam’s initiative, highlighting that it would prevent residents from being doubly charged for electricity.