Chandigarh— In a major public-friendly reform, Punjab Power Minister Sanjeev Arora on Tuesday announced that the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) will now issue electricity connections without requiring a No Objection Certificate (NOC). Instead, applicants will only need to submit a mandatory undertaking.
Arora said the decision aligns with the vision of National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal and Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and will eliminate delays caused by the earlier approval system. Until now, applicants had to secure NOCs, Regularisation Certificates or Sanctioned Building Plans from municipal bodies and development authorities including MCs, GMADA, GLADA, JDA, ADA, PDA and BDA — a process that often took months.
“The Chief Minister directed us to find a practical solution, and today the government has delivered it,” Arora said.
Under the new rules, power connections will be provided as per Supply Code 2024 once applicants submit an undertaking acknowledging that their connection could be disconnected if the premises is later found illegal or unauthorised. Applicants must also deposit an additional security amount equal to the Service Connection Charges to cover any future dismantling costs, along with the standard fees.
Calling it a balanced move, Arora said the step ensures public convenience while maintaining necessary safeguards. He also instructed PSPCL officials to implement the reform uniformly and transparently across the state.
As part of broader service improvements, the government is working on simplified application forms, digital records and faster delivery timelines. PSPCL has also scrapped the requirement of a test report from licensed electrical contractors for LT connections up to 50 kW, replacing it with a simple online 77declaration.