In a move aimed at addressing unreported electricity usage and ensuring smoother power distribution, the Electricity Department of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands has issued a public advisory to all consumers who have increased their connected or contractual load without prior intimation. According to the department, a growing number of residential and commercial users have augmented their electricity consumption beyond approved levels, particularly during peak weather conditions, leading to serious disruptions in planning and service delivery.
The department emphasized that the unexpected surge in power demand not only strains the existing infrastructure but also compromises the administration’s ability to maintain a stable and reliable electricity network. During high-consumption periods such as the ongoing summer, unaccounted load enhancement makes it difficult for officials to assess and allocate power efficiently. This challenge becomes particularly acute in island territories where resources are limited and the logistics of infrastructure development are far more complex than on the mainland.
To address this issue, the Electricity Department has asked all such consumers to regularize their power load. They must do this by downloading the necessary forms from the official departmental websites (https://vidyut.andaman.gov.in and https://andssw1.and.nic.in/EMCOSP) and filling out Annexure-VII as prescribed in the JERC Supply Code, 2018. The completed forms must then be submitted to their respective site offices to ensure that their increased load is officially recorded and sanctioned.
Department officials have pointed out that billing for energy consumption is now linked to fixed charges, which are calculated based on the approved connected load. Consequently, consumers who fail to report their increased usage may face inflated electricity bills due to discrepancies between sanctioned and actual consumption. More seriously, such discrepancies could lead to penalties and even disconnection of supply as per regulatory provisions.
The advisory further reiterates that under Section 5.98 of the JERC Regulation, consumers are obligated to report any enhancements in their load capacity. Regularizing the load helps the department in capacity planning, infrastructure augmentation, and fair energy pricing. It also ensures that consumers are protected from sudden billing spikes and legal complications arising from non-compliance.
In recent months, there have been multiple reports of voltage fluctuations and unplanned outages in areas experiencing rapid residential development. Officials now believe that unreported load enhancements may be contributing to these service issues. They hope that with proactive cooperation from consumers, the department will be better equipped to handle seasonal demand fluctuations and long-term growth.
Given the nature of power generation and distribution in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which rely heavily on diesel generators and limited renewable energy sources, proper load management becomes even more crucial. The department has underlined that any failure to comply with the current notice could not only affect individual consumers but also destabilize the overall power grid.
As part of the enforcement mechanism, the department may soon begin routine inspections to verify actual consumption levels against declared loads. While the present advisory serves as a warning and an opportunity for voluntary compliance, officials have hinted that stricter measures may follow if widespread non-compliance is detected.
Citizens have been urged to view the advisory not merely as a regulatory obligation but as a civic responsibility towards ensuring equitable and uninterrupted power supply across the islands. By adhering to the JERC Supply Code and promptly reporting any load enhancements, consumers can contribute to a more resilient and efficient power distribution system.
The Electricity Department has also announced plans to hold awareness drives at local administrative offices and community centers in the coming weeks to guide consumers through the regularization process. With a cooperative approach and timely action, the department hopes to streamline power management and prevent avoidable crises in the future.
