The North News
Chandigarh, November 18
Punjab’s Power Minister Sanjeev Arora has said new electricity connections will now be issued without a no-objection certificate (NOC), marking what he described as a major pro-people reform by the state government. Announcing the decision in Chandigarh on Tuesday, Arora said the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) would release new connections once applicants submit a mandatory undertaking. The change, he said, reflects Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal’s push to speed up access to basic services.
Under previous rules, applicants had to present documents such as NOCs, regularisation certificates or sanctioned building plans from local authorities including municipal corporations and development agencies such as GMADA, GLADA, JDA, ADA, PDA and BDA. Arora said many applicants had faced “extreme hardship” because these approvals were either delayed or unavailable.
Under the revised instructions, connections will now be provided in line with the Supply Code 2024 once an applicant signs an undertaking acknowledging that the connection can be disconnected if the property is later declared illegal or unauthorised by a competent authority. Applicants must also deposit an amount equal to service connection charges as security to cover potential dismantling costs, in addition to the usual charges.
Arora said the new system strikes a balance between easing access and maintaining safeguards. “Every household deserves essential services. This decision ensures citizens are not deprived of electricity,” he said.
He directed PSPCL officials to ensure uniform and transparent implementation across the state.
The minister added that work was under way to simplify application forms and digitise records. He said PSPCL had already waived the requirement for applicants seeking new or altered connections up to 50 kW in the low-tension category to submit test reports from licensed electrical contractors. Instead, applicants can now provide an online declaration stating that internal wiring has been carried out and tested by a licensed contractor or designated government officer, and that the test certificate is available with them.
