Have you ever returned home after a hard day at work to find you have been disconnected from the electricity supply network? As a new homeowner, do you want to be connected to a Distribution Company (DisCo) network and unsure how to go about it? Have you finally decided to transition to renewable energy and need to be disconnected from the on-grid supply network?
The Connection and Disconnection Procedures for Electricity Services regulation lays down the procedures for the connection and disconnection to a DisCos network. The regulation provides the procedures for the connection to and disconnection from a DisCos electricity network.
Do you want to connect to a DisCo network?
To connect to a DisCo network, you must do the following
- Submit an application to the DisCo for connection
- Provide a declaration of supply requirements completed by the appropriate authority
- Accept the terms and conditions of the DisCo for connection
- Provide verifiable identification and address information to the DisCo
- Pay all charges as required by the DisCo
When all the above terms are met, the DisCo will connect the consumer to the network within the mandated timeframe. However, a DisCo must ensure that the applicant’s electrical installations comply with safety regulations before connection to the network.
Have you been disconnected by a DisCo?
A DisCo can disconnect a consumer with or without notice in the following situations
WITH NOTICE where a consumer has not
- paid the amount correctly billed for supply to the customer’s address within the relevant payment date
- paid an updated bill at least ten working days from the delivery date of the updated bill
WITHOUT NOTICE where
- a customer is illegally connected to the network of the DisCo
- the customer’s installation is dangerous to the health and integrity of the DisCos network, affects the quality of supply to other customers
- due to any act or omission by the customer, the meter within the customer’s premises is inaccessible to read
Do you want to disconnect completely from a DisCo network?
Individuals sometimes seek alternate sources of electricity supply, e.g. renewable energy sources or self-generation. While some may decide to have both the DisCo and renewable supply, others may opt to go completely off the grid supply. For consumers who have decided to go off-grid, this regulation grants them the right to request disconnection from the DisCo network so long as there are no outstanding bills left unpaid and all necessary conditions have been met.
Conclusion
The Connection and Disconnection Procedures for Electricity Services (CDFES) has laid down the rules for connection and disconnection to a DisCos network. If you require a connection or have been wrongly disconnected, you should file a complaint at the relevant authority.