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Noida Drive for converting single point connections intensifies

By Rishabh Chamoli | 2022-12-26

Were you worried about a single point electricity connection in your apartment society in Noida? Now, the electricity distribution department has intensified efforts to convert single point connections of high rises to multipoint connections for individual apartments.

The power department of Uttar Pradesh government has intensified its drive to convert single point connections for high rises to multipoint connections. This move comes in the backdrop of several complaints by residents regarding electricity charges billed by the developers. The department has identified 55 housing projects in the current drive and is awaiting notice replies from 26 housing societies.

The 13th Amendment to the Electricity Supply Code
Just before the last Lok Sabha elections, the Uttar Pradesh government in the year 2018 had amended the electricity supply code to enable multipoint connections in high rise buildings.

As per the norms, if a housing society wishes to retain the old system, it will have to show a consent letter of at least 51 percent of residents to the power department. Otherwise, the department will go ahead in providing direct connections to individual flats in the complex.

Case for multipoint connections
Homeowners associations in Noida have long been complaining about high costs charged by builders while computing electricity bills for individual houses. Since common maintenance, infrastructure and light bills for common areas are added, the bill becomes steep, as per some homeowners. In the multipoint connection system, they will just need to pay for the actual consumption of their housing unit.

Challenges ahead for multipoint connections
One of the biggest challenges for the power distribution company is the high costs of separating the meters. The builder would need to separate the power points for common areas, and setting up the infrastructure for individual units would be a tedious, costly and long drawn process. This deters some homeowners who fear additional costs for this process.

There is also a concern amongst several home buyers regarding electricity connections for common areas and how they will now be administered in a multipoint system.

For many homeowners, the new system will free them from arbitrary bills from the developer. But a few are apprehensive about the new one time costs and electricity for their common areas. Hence, their comfort with the time tested single point connection system. However, now with increased efforts of the discoms, the picture will become clear in the coming months as to how many housing projects opt for the new system.

Housing societies identified for multipoint connection in Noida
There are 55 high rise buildings, which are identified for installing multipoint connections in Noida. In Phase 1, the multipoint connection is completed in about 15 societies. About ten societies have already given their consent. The work is currently working on four societies RG Residency in Sector 120, Ajnara Grand Heritage in Sector 74, Civitech Sampriti in Sector 77 and AIMS Angel Golf Avenue 2 in Sector 75. Interestingly, there are a few societies that would like to continue with the existing one point connections including Prateek Wisteria and Grih Pravesh in Sector 77 and Eldeco Aamantran in Sector 119.