How to Apply for a New Electricity Connection — Online, 2026

Under the Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules 2020, every DISCOM in India must provide a new connection within 7 days in metro areas, 15 days in other municipal areas, and 30 days in rural areas. No more chasing linemen. Here's how to apply correctly the first time.

Step 1: Figure out your sanctioned load

Your sanctioned load determines your fixed charges, allowable appliances, and whether you need a three-phase supply. Rule of thumb for 2026 Indian homes:

• 1–2 BHK flat, modest usage: 2–3 kW (single phase).
• 3 BHK with 1–2 ACs: 4–5 kW (single phase).
• 3–4 BHK with 3+ ACs, EV charger: 7–10 kW (three-phase mandatory above 7 kW in most states).
• Bungalow with pump, geyser, EV: 10–15 kW (three-phase).

Under-sanctioning costs you: over-drawing trips the main. Over-sanctioning costs you: fixed charges scale with kW per month.

Step 2: Gather documents

• PAN card or Aadhaar (for KYC).
• Proof of ownership (sale deed / lease / registered rent agreement / allotment letter).
• Recent passport-size photo (many portals still ask for this).
• Site / building plan approval (for new construction above 50 m²).
• NOC from society / landlord (tenants only).
• Previous electricity bill of adjacent connection (accelerates verification).

Step 3: Apply online

Every major DISCOM now has online application (forms may still be printable in smaller states):

• Delhi: BSES / Tata Power DDL / NDMC websites, or National Single Window (nsws.gov.in).
• Maharashtra: mahadiscom.in ("New Connection" link).
• Karnataka: BESCOM/HESCOM portals — also on Seva Sindhu.
• Tamil Nadu: tnebnet.org.
• Gujarat: ugvcl.com / dgvcl.com / mgvcl.com / pgvcl.com / Torrent Power.
• UP: uppclonline.com.
• All India: National Single Window System (nsws.gov.in) routes to the correct DISCOM.

Step 4: Pay charges

Expect three cost heads:

• Application fee: ₹100–500.
• Security deposit: Roughly 2 months of expected bill (₹1,000–5,000 for most households).
• Service line / meter charges: ₹1,500–6,000 depending on distance from the transformer.

If the DISCOM needs to install new infrastructure (a dedicated transformer for multi-house plots), additional supervision charges may apply — but these must be published in the tariff order, not invented at the counter.

Step 5: Inspection & energisation

An engineer will inspect your wiring (or ask for a signed electrical contractor's test report in most states). Once cleared, the meter is installed and the connection goes live. Ask for the meter's initial reading and photograph it before the engineer leaves — this is your dispute baseline.

Delays & complaints

If your connection isn't energised within the mandated timeline, the DISCOM owes you ₹100/day in compensation under the Rights of Consumers Rules. File a complaint with the Consumer Grievance Redressal Forum (CGRF) — most orders are disposed in 45 days.