the-electricity-act-2003-rules

7/30/2019 The-Electricity-Act-2003-Rules

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PreambleAn Act to consolidate the laws relating to

generation, transmission, distribution, tradingand use of electricity and generally for takingmeasures conducive to development ofelectricity industry, promoting competition

therein, protecting interest of consumers andsupply of electricity to all areas, rationalizationof electricity tariff, ensuring transparent policiesregarding subsidies, promotion of efficient and

environmentally benign policies constitution ofCentral Electricity Authority, RegulatoryCommissions and establishment of AppellateTribunal and for matters connected therewith orincidental thereto.


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Background

The Government of India has enactedElectricity Act, 2003 which seeks to bringabout qualitative transformation of theelectricity sector. The Act seeks to createliberal framework of development for thepower sector by distancing Govt. fromregulations. It replaces the earlier threelegislations, namely, Indian Electricity

Act, 1910, the Electricity (Supply) Act,1948 and the Electricity RegulatoryCommission Act, 1998.


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The Salient Features of the ElectricityAct, 2003.

The Central Government to prepare a National Electricity Policyin consultation with State Governments (Section 3)

Thrust to complete the rural electrification and to provide formanagement of rural distribution by Panchayats, CooperativeSocieties, non-Government organisations, franchisees etc.(Section 4, 5 &6)

Provision for Licence free generation and distribution in ruralareas (Section 14)

Generation being delicensed and captive generation beingfreely permitted. Hydro projects would, however need clearancefrom the Central Electricity Authority (Section 7, 8 &9)

Transmission Utility at the Central as well as State level to be aGovernment company with a responsibility for planned andcoordinated development of transmission network (Section 38 &39)

Provision for private licensees in transmission and entry in

distribution through an independent network (Section 14)


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The Salient Features of theElectricity Act, 2003. Distribution Licensees would be free to

undertake generation and generatingcompanies would be free to take up distributionbusinesses (Section 7, 12)

Metering of all electricity supplied mademandatory (Section 55)

An Appellate Tribunal to hear appeals againstthe decision of the CERC and SERCs (Section

111) Provisions relating to theft of electricity made

more stringent (Section 135-150)

Provisions safeguarding consumers interests(Section 57-59, 166)


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Section 26:

The National Load Dispatch Centre:

The Central Government to establish a centreat the National Level for optimum scheduling

and dispatch of electricity among Regional

Load Dispatch Centre. (State owned NavratnaPSU Power Grid Corporation of India, located

at New Delhi)


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Section 28: Function of Regional Load

Dispatch Centre

To be the apex body to ensure integratedoperation of power system in the concernedregion.

To comply guidelines in respect of wheeling

and optimum scheduling and dispatch ofelectricity as the central commission mayspecify in grid code.

Shall be responsible for optimum scheduling

and dispatch of electricity within the region.

monitor grid operations.

Keep accounts of quantity of electricity

transmitted through the regional grid.


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Section 79: Functions and duties of Central

Electricity Authority:

Advice the central government on matters related to policy, plan fordevelopment of electricity system, coordinate the activities of planningagencies and to provide reliable and affordable electricity for allconsumers.

Advice the appropriate government , commission on technical matters.

Specify technical standards for construction of electrical plants, lines, andgrid connectivity.

Specify safety requirements for constructions operations and maintenanceof electrical plants and lines.

Grid standards.

Assist in timely completion of scheme and projects for improving andaugmenting the system.

To collect and record data.

To promote research in connected matters

To carry out any investigation for the purpose of generating or transmittingor distributing electricity.


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Section 79: Function of Central

Commission: To regulate the tariff of generating companies

owned or controlled by central govt. and othergenerating companies if enter into an sale of

electricity in more than one state.

To regulate the inter-state transmission ofelectricity

To issue licenses to persons to functions as

transmission licenses and electricity traders.

To adjudicate upon disputes involving generatingcompanies/transmission licenses.

To specify and enforce standards w.r.t quality ,

continuity and reliability of services by licences.


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The Indian Electricity Rules,1956

Rule:3 Authorization

No person shall be authorised to operate and maintaingenerating stations/substations above 100MW /132KV

unless adequately qualified and undergone special training

(NPTI).

In every registered factory where 250KW and above loadis connected, an authorized person appointed by the

management shall ensure safety provisions of the Act and

the Rules made thereunder are observed and complied

and all the records shall be maintained by him.

All suppliers i/c generating, transmitting and distributing

companies to appoint a safety officer for proper

observance of safety measures in construction, operation,

and maintenance of power stations, transmission and

distribution lines.


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Chapter IVGeneral Safety Requirements

Rule 29. Construction, installation,protection, operation and maintenance ofelectric supply lines and apparatus:

All electric supply lines and apparatus of sufficient

power, insulation, estimated fault current andmechanical strength shall be so constructed,installed, protected , worked and maintained as toensure the safety of humans beings , animals andproperty.

The relevant code of practices of the Bureau ofIndian Standards including the National ElectricalCode if any may be followed.

The material and apparatus shall conform to

relevant BIS specifications.


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Rule 30. Service Lines and apparatus on

consumers premises:

The supplier to ensure that electric supply

lines, wires, fittings and apparatus at the

consumers premises are in safe condition

and to avoid dangers arising on suchpremises.

Underground service lines (armoured

cables) placed by the supplier on the

premises shall be so insulated andprotected against electrical, mechanical,

chemical or other injury to the insulation.


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Rule 31. Cut-out on consumers

premise:

The supplier shall provide a suitable cut-out

in each conductor of every service-line other

than an earthed or neutral conductor. Such a

cut-out shall be contained within anadequately enclosed fire-proof receptacle.


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Rule 32: Identification of earthed and

earthed neutral conductor and position of

switches and cut-outs therein:An identification of permanent nature shall be

provided by the owner of the earthed or earthed

neutral conductor, or the conductor which is tobe connected there-to, to enable suchconductor to be distinguished from any liveconductor.


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Rule 33. Earthed terminal on

consumers premises: The supplier shall provide and maintain on

the consumers premises a suitable earthed

terminal in an accessible position at or near

the point of commencement of supply. The consumer shall take all reasonable

precautions to prevent mechanical damage to

the earthed terminal and its leads belonging

to the supplier.


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Rule 34. Accessibility of bare

conductors:

Where bare conductors are used in building,

the owner of such conductors shall ensure

that they are inaccessible and take such

other safety measures as are considerednecessary by the inspector.


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Rule 35. Danger notices:

The owner of every medium, high and extra-

high voltage installation shall affix

permanently in a conspicuous position a

danger notice in Hindi or English and thelocal language of the district, with a sign of

skull and bones of a design as per the

relevant standard on every motor,

transformer, generator, and other electrical

plant and equipment.


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Rule.36 Handling of electric

supply lines and apparatus:

Before any conductor or apparatus ishandled, adequate precautions shall betaken, by earthing or suitable means, to

discharge electrically such conductors orapparatus.

Every person who is working on an electricsupply line or apparatus shall be provided

with tools and devices such as gloves,rubber shoes, safety belts, ladders, earthingdevices, helmets, line tester for protectinghim from mechanical and electrical injury.


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Continued

No person shall work on any liveelectric supply line or apparatus unlesshe is authorized in that behalf and takes

the safety measures approved by theinspector.

Every telecommunication line onsupports carrying a high or extra-high

voltage line shall for working thereonshall be deemed to be a high voltageline.


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Rule 37: Supply to vehicles,

cranes etc.:

Every person owning a vehicle, travelling

crane to which energy is supplied from an

external source, shall ensure that it is

efficiently controlled by a suitable switchenabling all voltages to be cut off in one

operation and that it is ensured that the body

/rails are electrically continuous and earthed.


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Rule 38: Cables for portable or

transportable apparatus: Flexible cables shall not be used for

portable or transportable motors,generators, transformers, rectifiers,electric drills, welding sets etc. unless they

are heavily insulated and adequatelyprotected from mechanical injury.

The cables shall be three-core type andfour-core type for portable andtransportable apparatus working on singlephase and three phase respectively andthe wire meant to be used for groundconnection shall be easily identifiable.


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Rule 42: Accidental Charge

The owners of all circuits and apparatus

shall arrange them that there shall be no

danger of any part thereof becoming

accidentally charged to any voltage beyondthe limits of voltage for which they are

intended.

Where A.C. and D.C. circuits are installed onthe same support they shall be so arranged

and protected that they shall not come into

contact with each other when live.


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Rule 43. Provisions applicable to protectiveequipment:

Fire buckets filled with clean dry sand and ready forimmediate use for extinguishing fires, fire extinguisherssuitable for dealing with electrical fires to be kept in allgenerating stations, enclosed substations and switchstations in convenient situations. Fire extinguishers shallbe tested for satisfactory operations at least once a year

and record of such tests shall be maintained. First-aid boxes or cupboards equipped with such contents

as specified shall be provided and maintained in verygenerating stations, enclosed sub-station and enclosedswitch station .

Adequate number of gas masks shall be provided andmaintained at accessible places in every generatingstation / sub-station with a capacity less than 5 MW and 5MVA respectively if so desired by the inspector.


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Rule 44: Instruction for restoration of

persons suffering from electric shock:

Instructions in English or Hindi and thelocal language of the district and whereHindi is a local language, for the

restoration of persons suffering fromelectric shock, shall be affixed by theowner in a conspicuous place in everygenerating station, enclosed sub-station,

enclosed switch- station and in everyfactory as defined in clause (m) ofSection 2 of the Factories Act, 1948.


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Rule 44-A: Intimation of

accident

If any accident occurs in connection with

generation , transmission, supply or use of

energy of any person and the accident

results in or is likely to have resulted in lossof life or injury to human or animal :

telegraphic report within 24 hours

written report within 48 hours

To be sent to the Electrical Inspector by theJunior Engineer in a laid down format.

R l 45 P ti t b d t d b


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Rule 45: Precaution to be adopted by consumers,

owners, occupiers, electrical contractors, electrical

workmen and suppliers: No electrical installation work, alteration,

repairs and adjustments to existing installationexcept replacement of lamps, fans, fuses,

switches, low voltage domestic appliancesand fittings as in no way alters its capacityshall be carried except by an licensedelectrical contractor under the supervision of

the person holding certificate of competency. No electrical installation work in contravention

of sub-rule(1) shall either be energized orconnected to the works of any supplier.


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Rule 46: Periodical inspection

and testing of installation. Where an installation is already connected

to the supply system: inspection & testing at intervals not exceeding

five years either by Inspector/supplier to be

carried out.

Periodical inspection & testing of highvoltage/extra high voltage installation ofsupplier

to be carried out not exceeding five years by theinspector or any officers appointed to assist theinspector .


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continued

The fees for such inspection/ testing shall be

determined by central / state govt. and shall bepayable in advance by the consumer.

In the event of failure of any consumer to payfees or to rectify the defects in his installationspointed out by the inspector: such installations shall be liable to be disconnected

under the directions of the inspector after serving anotice to the owner.

The consumer shall at all times be solelyresponsible for the maintenance of hisinstallations and in such conditions as to be freefrom danger


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Chapter V: General Conditions Relating

to Supply and Use of Energy

Rule 47: Testing of Consumers Installation:

The supplier shall inspect and test the

applicants installation.

The supplier may refuse to connect or

reconnect the supply if he satisfied that the

installation is likely to constitute danger and

shall only connect when the same arerectified.


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Rule 47-A. Installation & Testing of Generating

Units:

30 days notice to be given by the consumer to thesupplier and Inspector to commission the

installation/generating plant.

No consumer to commission a generating plant

exceeding 10KW without the approval in writing of

the inspector.

Rule 48: Precaution against leakage before


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Rule 48: Precaution against leakage before

connection:

The supplier not to connect with his works the

installation or apparatus on the premises of theapplicant for supply unless he is reasonably satisfied.

Compliance to be verified by measuring IR as given

below:

Electrical equipment to have IR values as per IS.

IR valves for low voltage equipment at 500 Volts DC

shall be at least 1 M for a period of 1 minute.

IR valves for high voltage equipment at 2500 Volts DCshall be at least 5 M for a period of 1 minute.

Reason for decline to make connection to be given in

writing to the consumer if any.


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Rule 50: Supply and Use of Energy :

The following controls of requisite capacity to carry

and break the current are to be placed after the pointof supply:

SFU/Breaker for low/medium voltage consumers. SFU/Breaker for HV consumers having aggregate equipment

capacity.

- upto 1000 KVA to be supplied at a voltage upto 11 KV.

- upto 2500 KVA to be supplied at a voltage above 11 KV but

not exceeding 33 KV.

Breaker for HV consumers having aggregate

equipment capacity

- above 1000 KVA to be supplied at a voltage upto 11 KV. - above 2500 KVA to be supplied at a voltage above 11

KV but not exceeding 33 KV.

Breaker for EHV consumer.


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Continued:

In every transformer the following shall beprovided:

SFU/breaker of adequate capacity so as to carry

the full load current on the primary side.

Breaker on secondary side in case oftransformers transforming HV to EHV; MV to LV.

Adequate precautions to be taken to ensure

that no live parts are exposed as to causedanger.


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Rule 50-A: Additional provisions for supply and use of energy

in multi storeyed building:

Approval of the inspector to be obtained for commencementor recommencement (if dead for six months or more) by

occupier/owner of the building.

Supplier /owner shall provide cut out or breaker at a point of

commencement at height not more than 2.75 m above theground.

owner/occupier to ensure that the installations/works are

installed and maintained as per the relevant code of

practices. No other services to be laid provided along the power

cables. Fire barriers to be provided at each floor crossing.


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Rule 51: Provisions applicable to medium, high or

extra-high voltage installations : (Electrical Panels)

All conductors (except overhead lines) to be

completely enclosed (Electrical panel) and

accessible to authorised person.

All metals works associated with installation to beconnected to earthing system.

Every switchboard to comply with required spacing

in front and rear sides.

Flameproof , dust tight totally enclosed electrical

fixtures to be provided depending on Hazardous

zones.


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Rule 54: Declared voltage of supply to

consumer

Supplier shall not permit the voltage at any point ofcommencement to vary form the declared voltage:

low & medium voltage by more than 6%

High voltage (+) 6% or (-)9%

Extra High Voltage (+)10% or (-) 12.5% Frequency of the alternating current not to be more

than 3% than the declared frequency.

All meters (MD meter) of appropriate capacity to limit

its errors as per relevant IS and ()3% absoluteaccuracy at all loads.

For EHV consumers errors shall be ()1%


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Chapter VII: Electric Supply Lines , Systems and

Apparatus for High and Extra-high voltages:

Rule 63: Approval by Inspector:

Approval in writing to be obtained from the

inspector for commencing /recommencing

supply (Rule 65 to Rule 69 to be complied)

Every high/extra high circuits or additions to

be tested (other than overhead lines).

Any additions/alterations carried out by theowner of any high/EHV installation to be got

approved in writing by the inspector.


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Rule 64: Use of Energy at High and Extra High

voltage: The following minimum safety working

clearances shall be maintained for bare conductor

or live parts of any apparatus in outdoor sub-station, excluding overhead lines of HV and EHV

installations.

Highest System Voltage (KV) Safety working clearance(Metres)

12 2.6

36 2.8

72.5 3.1

145 3.7

245 4.3

420 6.4

800 10.3

6 f f


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Rule 64-A: Additional Provisions for use of energy at

High and extra high voltage:

The following additional provisions shall beobserved:

Inter-locks: Isolator & Controlling Ckt to be interlocked

Isolators & corresponding earthing switches to beinterlocked.

Two or more Xmer when operating in parallel thesystem to be arranged for the primary to trip.

All gates/doors having access to live parts of an

installation shall be interlocked. Two or more generators operating in parallel ,

interlock to be provided with neutral connected toearthing system.


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Continued: Protection:

All systems and circuits to automatically

disconnect under abnormal conditions Following protections to be provided over

current , earth fault

Trip & alarm to be provided on Xmers ofratings 1000KVA & above. (winding and oil

temp., gas pressure type)

Xmers above 10MVA to be protected against

incipient faults by differential protection

All generators of 100 KVA and above shall be

protected against earth fault/leakage.


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Rule 65: Testing , operation and maintenance.

Routine tests under relevant IS conducted byOEM to be produced before approval

No new HV or EHV apparatus , cable, orsupply line to be commissioned unless

subjected to test as per relevant IS.Additional tests to be carried out if desired by

the Inspector.

All installation to be kept in healthy conditions& tests periodically done as per relevant IS.

Records of all test, tripping, maintenance to bekept and preserved for comparison with

historical ones.


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Offences and Penalties:

Theft of electricity (Section -135)

Theft of electricity lines and materials(Sction-136)

Punishment for receiving stolen property (Section137)

Interference with meters or works of licensee(Section 138)

Negligently breaking or damaging works (Section139)

Extinguishing public lamps (Section 141) Punishment for non-compliance of directions by

appropriate commission (Section 142)

the-electricity-act-2003-rules

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