Sri Vijaya Puram, Aug. 4: The Andaman and Nicobar Administration has introduced a major procedural reform aimed at speeding up electricity connections for low-risk consumers by permitting self-certification in place of mandatory certified test reports for eligible applicants. The move is expected to reduce documentation requirements, shorten processing time and improve access to electricity services while continuing to adhere to prescribed electrical safety standards.
The Electricity Department announced that the reform has been introduced as part of a broader citizen-centric initiative to simplify public services and reduce procedural delays in obtaining new electricity connections.
Under the revised framework, the Administration has permitted a deviation under Regulation 33 of the Central Electricity Authority (Measures relating to Safety and Electric Supply) Regulations, 2023. With the approval of the Lieutenant Governor (Administrator) of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, self-attested test reports or self-certification will now be accepted instead of mandatory certified test reports for low-risk consumers with a connected electrical load of up to 20 kilowatts.
The notification formalising the change has been published in the Extraordinary Gazette of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration.
According to the Electricity Department, the revised procedure is expected to substantially reduce procedural delays associated with obtaining new electricity connections. By replacing certified test reports with self-certification for eligible consumers, the Administration aims to simplify documentation requirements and facilitate faster processing of applications.
The reform applies to domestic consumers, small commercial establishments, offices and other categories classified as low-risk consumers with connected loads of up to 20 kW. While easing procedural requirements, the Administration has stated that the revised process will continue to comply with the electrical safety standards prescribed by the Central Electricity Authority.
The initiative has been introduced based on recommendations of the Central Electricity Authority and is intended to reduce the compliance burden for eligible applicants without compromising safety requirements. The Administration said the measure represents another policy reform designed to improve the efficiency of public service delivery while supporting a more business-friendly environment across the islands.
The Electricity Department stated that the Administration remains committed to delivering faster, transparent and hassle-free public services through governance reforms. It added that the latest measure reflects ongoing efforts to simplify administrative procedures, improve ease of doing business and strengthen citizen-centric service delivery while maintaining the highest standards of electrical safety prescribed under the Central Electricity Authority regulations.
