ONE FAMILY, ONE METER RULE

ONE FAMILY, ONE METER RULE

14-DEC-ENG 30

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

PATNA-----------------------The following are the recent key orders and rules related to new electricity meter connections issued by the Bihar Government and the Electricity Department (NBPDCL and SBPDCL) (based on the latest information up to 2025): One Family - One Meter Rule: A new order has been issued to prevent the misuse of the free electricity scheme up to 125 units in Bihar. Taking more than one electricity connection in the same house or by the same family is prohibited.

If multiple members of a family want separate connections, they will have to show a land partition deed or other valid documents.

For tenants: A separate connection can be obtained by entering into a rent agreement with the landlord, allowing them to also benefit from the 125 units of free electricity.

This order came into effect around July-August 2025 to ensure that the benefits of the free electricity scheme reach the intended beneficiaries.

Prepaid/Smart Meter Related Relief:

Special relief has been provided for new connections or conversions from postpaid to prepaid/smart meters.

There will be no penalty for consumption exceeding the sanctioned load for 6 months from the day the meter is changed or a new prepaid meter is installed.

This rule also applies to those taking new connections. (This order is included in the tariff effective from April 2025.)

New Connection Rates and Process: The rates for new domestic connections have been reduced (as determined by BERC in 2024-25): Minimum Rs. 900 per kilowatt.

Up to 35 meters of wire and pole distance is free, with additional charges beyond that.

Applications can be submitted online through the NBPDCL/SBPDCL website or the Suvidha app. Connections are generally provided within 7-30 days.

These changes are primarily linked to the 125 units free electricity scheme (effective from August 2025) to ensure that the benefits of the scheme reach the genuinely needy. For specific application or status checks, please visit the official website of NBPDCL (North Bihar) or SBPDCL (South Bihar) or contact the 1912 helpline. For the latest updates, check bsphcl.co.in or the respective DISCOM website.