Sanjeev Arora announces major PSPCL reform: no more NOC for power connections, speeding up approvals and reducing administrative delays.

Power Minister Sanjeev Arora declared on Tuesday that the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) will henceforth provide electricity connections without a No Objection Certificate (NOC), which is a huge relief for the people of Punjab. Rather, connections will only be made if the applicant submits a required undertaking.

According to Arora, the shift would end long-standing delays brought on by the requirement for permissions from several local agencies, and it is a people-centric reform that is in line with the goals of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal. Long wait times and public discomfort were frequently caused by the requirement that residents requesting additional connections present NOCs, Regularization Certificates, or Sanctioned Building Plans from authorities such municipal corporations (MCs), GMADA, GLADA, JDA, ADA, PDA, or BDA.

Arora pointed out that the updated rules are a fulfillment of Chief Minister Mann’s order for the department to come up with a workable and quick solution to the issue.

According to the new regulations, power connections will henceforth be granted in compliance with the Supply Code 2024 after applicants provide a written commitment stating that their electrical supply may be cut off if the property is subsequently determined to be unlawful or unapproved. In order to cover any disassembly expenses, applicants will also need to post an extra security deposit equal to the Service Connection Charges. Standard fees payable under present rules will also continue to apply.

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Arora described the judgment as a balanced measure that maintains the required protections to preserve the state’s interests while ensuring public convenience. He underlined that the reform will enable citizens to obtain necessary services without facing administrative obstacles in a timely manner.

The Minister has directed PSPCL personnel to make sure that these new regulations are implemented consistently and transparently in every district, without exception. In order to enhance the customer experience throughout Punjab, he further emphasized that the government is aiming to digitize records, streamline application forms, and speed up service delivery.

PSPCL has also eliminated the need for a test report from certified electrical contractors for Low Tension (LT) connections up to 50 kW, which is another significant step to streamline processes. A straightforward self-declaration submitted with the online application has now taken its place, speeding up and simplifying the procedure.