Bihar Proposes New Power Supply Code, Penalties for Service Delays

Brief By Newsbrief / 9:22 AM on 05 Apr 2026

Bihar is set to overhaul its electricity service framework after nearly 19 years with the proposed Bihar Electricity Supply Code, 2026. The draft, released by the Bihar Electricity Regulatory Commission, introduces strict timelines for service delivery and penalties for delays, aiming to improve accountability and transparency.

Under the new rules, electricity connections must be provided within three days in metropolitan areas, seven days in other urban regions, and 15 days in rural areas. Failure to meet deadlines could result in fines of up to ₹1,000 per day on officials. The code also mandates the use of smart or prepaid meters and ensures faster replacement of faulty meters.

Consumers will gain rights to reject provisional bills and request transformer relocation within a fixed timeframe. The draft is open for public feedback until April 7, with a hearing scheduled in Patna on April 16.

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