The Assam Electricity Regulatory Commission (AERC) has started the process to introduce the Ninth Amendment to the Assam Electricity Regulatory Commission (Electricity Supply Code) Regulations, 2017. The Commission issued an explanatory memorandum on July 2, 2026, proposing changes to the existing regulations to address changing infrastructure capabilities and power distribution requirements in the state. The proposed amendment will apply to all electricity consumers as well as distribution and retail supply licensees, including deemed licensees, across Assam.
The amendment process began after the Assam Power Distribution Company Limited (APDCL) submitted a petition seeking changes to Clause 2.2.1 of the existing Electricity Supply Code. A public hearing on the proposal was held on May 21, 2026, followed by a hearing order issued on June 18, 2026. After examining the petition, the Commission decided that any modification to the Supply Code must follow the formal regulatory process under the Electricity Act, 2003. This process includes inviting comments and suggestions from stakeholders before the amendment is finalized.
The main proposal is the addition of a new provision, Regulation 2.2.2(c). Under the current Supply Code, consumers with high electricity demand are generally required to receive power at higher voltage levels such as 132 kV or 220 kV. If they choose to take supply at a lower voltage level, they are required to pay a 3% surcharge on their electricity bills.
Under the proposed amendment, consumers with a connected load between 10,000 kVA and 20,000 kVA will be allowed to receive electricity at the 33 kV voltage level through a dedicated feeder. These consumers will not have to pay the existing 3% low-voltage surcharge. However, this benefit will only be available if they agree to the conditions laid down by the Commission, including a commitment that they will not opt for Open Access power procurement.
The proposal also states that consumers receiving power under this provision will be responsible for line losses. These losses will be calculated based on the difference between the readings recorded at the sending-end and receiving-end meters, and the corresponding energy loss will be included in their billing.
In its submission, APDCL explained that the proposal is based on both technical and financial considerations. According to the utility, most existing 33 kV bays and transmission lines in Assam are built with Wolf Conductors and are already capable of handling loads of nearly 20,000 kVA. As a result, the present infrastructure is technically capable of supplying such consumers without requiring immediate upgrades.
APDCL also stated that developing new 132 kV transmission lines involves substantial capital investment. In addition, the utility faces challenges related to obtaining Right of Way approvals and the long distances between consumers and Grid Sub-Stations in several parts of Assam. Allowing eligible consumers to receive supply at 33 kV is expected to reduce these infrastructure challenges while making better use of the existing network.
As part of the regulatory process, AERC has uploaded the draft amendment to the “Regulations” section of its official website and has invited comments, objections, and suggestions from consumers, businesses, and other stakeholders who may be affected by the proposed changes. The Commission has set July 24, 2026, as the last date for submitting feedback before taking a final decision on the proposed amendment.
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