Hyderabad: The Telangana Southern Power Distribution Company Limited (TGSPDCL) has issued a fresh memo bringing limited procedural relief in the release of new electricity connections and additional loads, particularly by relaxing the requirement of Occupancy Certificate (OC) in certain specified cases.
The memo, issued by the Chief Engineer (Operation), Metro Zone on March 20, 2026, follows instructions from the Chairman & Managing Director (CMD) to streamline electricity service approvals while maintaining regulatory boundaries.
Just a few months ago, electricity consumers without an Occupancy Certificate (OC) were being given only temporary power connections, which significantly increased the tariff burden, with unit costs going up to around ₹11.80 per unit. This caused considerable inconvenience and financial strain for households and small businesses. The issue was strongly raised by AIMIM MLA Ahmed Balala in the ongoing Assembly Session, who urged authorities to provide relief to affected consumers. Following these representations, the power department has now issued the latest memo to ease norms and reduce hardship for such consumers.
Key Instructions in the Memo
- Electricity services can be released based on actual usage, even if it differs from the originally sanctioned building purpose, without insisting on revised building plan approval.
- Additional load can be sanctioned for existing connections without requiring revised building approval or Occupancy Certificate, as per norms.
- In case of deviations from sanctioned building plans, supply will be limited to approved portions, while additional requirements will be treated under temporary category.
- Industrial services applied through TGIC registration will not require an Occupancy Certificate for power release.
- Conversion between LT and HT categories can be done without insisting on OC or building approvals.
No Blanket Relaxation on OC
Officials clarified that the memo does not provide a blanket exemption from Occupancy Certificate requirements. Instead, the relaxation applies only to specific scenarios such as additional load approvals, industrial connections via TGIC, and category conversions.
For new services involving deviations beyond approved plans, the department has retained safeguards by allowing supply only within sanctioned limits and categorizing additional usage under temporary connections.
Relief for Consumers and Businesses
The revised instructions are expected to benefit consumers, small businesses, and industries by reducing procedural delays in obtaining electricity connections and load enhancements.
Particularly, industries and commercial users who often face delays due to documentation requirements may now experience faster processing and improved operational efficiency.
Implementation Instructions
The memo directs all Superintending Engineers and field officers in the Metro Zone to implement these instructions strictly without deviation. The aim is to ensure uniform application of the revised guidelines across Hyderabad.
