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Will Noida have multipoint electricity connections soon?

By Rishabh Chamoli | 2023-01-19

Were you worried about a single point electricity connection in your housing 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. But what is the difference between the two modes, and how will it benefit the homeowners?

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

Single point vs multipoint electricity connection
The first step in supporting any one electricity connection is to understand the difference between the two modes of electricity in a housing society in Noida. In a single point electricity connection, the electricity provider sets up a single connection for the entire residential society. The developer then distributes the power internally through prepaid meters. The prices are generally inflated as the developer also adds the cost of power supply in common areas, clubhouse, and gymnasium, among other miscellaneous charges.

In the case of a multipoint electricity connection, the power board, Noida Power Company Limited (NPCL), will provide individual meters to homeowners directly with no intervention from the developer. The residents will have 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 costly and long drawn process. This deters some homeowners who fear additional costs for this process.

There is also a concern amongst several homebuyers regarding electricity connections for common areas and how they will 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 one time installation cost and how electricity for the common areas will be charged. Hence, they are more comfortable with the time tested single point connection system. However, now with increased efforts of the discoms after a two year delay caused by the pandemic, the coming months will help decide how many housing projects in Noida will opt for the new system.

Housing societies identified for multipoint connection in Noida
Around 55 high rise buildings have been identified for installing multipoint connections in Noida. In the first phase, the multipoint connection is completed in about 15 societies. About 10 societies have already given their consent. As per Pashchimanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited (PVVNL), work is currently going on in 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, like Prateek Wisteria and Grih Pravesh in Sector 77 and Eldeco Aamantran in Sector 119, Noida.

With the Uttar Pradesh government taking concrete steps to resolve residents grievances related to high electricity charges, it is hoped that housing societies will support the State in implementing the beneficial electricity mode. The move will help improve realty sentiments and motivate homebuyers to invest in Noida, who were previously deterred by the high power supply costs.