Getting a commercial electricity India connection involves more steps than a domestic one. Businesses need it fast, with higher load, safety clearances, and full legal compliance. Following these key power connection process steps helps ensure a smooth setup—from application to switch‑on. Whether you’re opening a shop, factory, or office, here’s a guide based on real-world examples and regional norms.
1. Determine Your Load & Category
Before applying, estimate your power needs accurately:
- Commercial Low-Tension (LT): usually up to 200 kVA for shops, offices, restaurants.
- High-Tension (HT): over 200 kVA for factories or large establishments .
- To calculate load, sum the wattage of air conditioners, lights, machines, and include a 20–30% safety buffer. Most providers share sample load calculators during application .
2. Gather Documentation
Proper paperwork speeds up your case. Common requirements:
- Photo ID: Aadhar, PAN, Passport.
- Proof of premises: Sale deed, lease deed, NOC from owner.
- Board resolution: For company applicants, authorization letter needed.
- Factory license: For industrial/ factory connections.
- Additional Certificates: Pollution Control consent (Delhi).
- Electrical layout: Single-line diagram, earthing details spanning safety standards .
3. Apply Online or Offline
Most distribution companies now support online applications:
- Online Portals:
- Tata Power-DDL (Delhi) allows online form submission, document upload, and OTP verification for 1–200 kW requests.
- BSES & SBPDCL (Bihar) also provide user portals for new connections.
- WBSEDCL (West Bengal) portal issues provisional charge quotations and allows online fee payment.
- Tata Power-DDL (Delhi) allows online form submission, document upload, and OTP verification for 1–200 kW requests.
- Offline Option:
- Through local utility offices (e.g. Delhi’s NDMC, PWD-enabled), forms are submitted by appointment .
- Through local utility offices (e.g. Delhi’s NDMC, PWD-enabled), forms are submitted by appointment .
Tip: Online filing is faster with real-time updates and fewer in-person visits.
4. Pay Fees & Field Inspection
- Charges include service connection charges, security deposit, and development fees—all itemized in your provisional quote.
- Payment can often be done online; otherwise, deposit it at the utility’s office within the validity period (typically 90 days).
- Inspection: A field engineer visits within 3–7 days to verify wiring, load feasibility, earthing, and building readiness.
5. Complete Site Readiness & Wiring
By the inspection phase, these should already be in place:
- Main switch and distribution board installed
- Earthing system that complies with CEA standards (dual-earth pits, leakage protection)
- Switchgear fitting load and warranty criteria
- Structural integrity for meter/pole placement (especially for outdoor connections)
Note: For loads over 5 kW, an Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker (ELCB) is mandatory .
6. Transformer & Metering Setup
- LT (≤200 kVA) connections typically draw from nearby distribution transformers.
- HT (>200 kVA) requires dedicated feeders and onsite transformer installations.
- Metering: Smart/three-phase energy meters are installed; these include RF or SCADA communication for consumption data.
- Timeline: Once ready, your connection is activated within 7–15 days—and even faster under some schemes .
7. Sign Agreement & Start Supply
- Agreement: Submit a signed copy of the electricity supply agreement.
- Energization: Meter is installed and supply starts.
- Billing: Monthly or bi-monthly bills begin based on sanctioned load and meter readings.
8. Maintain Compliance & Safety
Staying legal and safe ensures smooth operations:
- Regular inspections: At least once a year to check earthing, wiring, and switchgear.
- Load changes: Apply for sanctioned load adjustments, especially before adding big motors or HVAC units .
- GST/Tariff category: Confirm your commercial connection is correctly categorized for taxation and subsidies.
- Safety compliance: Ensure protective devices function per CEA 2010 rules.
Real-Life Case: Delhi Cafe
Mr Singh applied for a 50 kW commercial connection in Delhi:
- Estimated load with automatic coffee machines and lighting
- Uploaded ID, lease, NOC via Tata Power-DDL portal
- Paid fees online & scheduled inspection
- Installed ELCB & earthing before engineer’s site visit
- Meter was fitted in 8 days and supply began
- Registered as MSME and claimed subsidy under Delhi’s rooftop solar scheme
Summary Table
| Step | What You Do |
| 1. Assess Load | List appliances, estimate kW required |
| 2. Gather Docs | ID, proof of premises, company or factory licenses |
| 3. Apply Online/Offline | Use DISCOM portal or local office |
| 4. Pay Charges | Service, deposit, development fees |
| 5. Inspection | Engineer visits site for compliance check |
| 6. Install Transformer/Meter | Get smart meter installed |
| 7. Sign & Get Supply | Finalize agreement, supply starts |
| 8. Maintain & Upgrade | Follow safety norms, update wiring/load if required |
Conclusion
Securing a commercial electricity India connection takes planning—but with clear steps and proper documentation, it’s a straightforward process. Follow this power connection process, gather documents early, apply online, comply with safety requirements, and maintain ongoing legality. Within two to three weeks, your business can have reliable power—avoid delays, reduce hassle, and power up your enterprise with confidence.
Source : fulinspace.com