Disconnection and Reconnection

Disconnection

A premises may be disconnected if the consumer fails to pay billed charges, uses the connection for a purpose other than the sanctioned one, or extends load beyond the sanctioned limit after notice from LESCO.

Disconnection Procedure

• The consumer should pay the energy bill on or before the due date, or with late payment surcharge if paid later, before the next month's bill is issued.
• If the previous month's bill remains unpaid, LESCO may serve a clear seven-day notice requiring payment with the current bill.
• If payment is still not received after the notice period, supply may be disconnected and restored only after full payment including surcharge.
• Consumers paying under an approved installment plan may avoid disconnection unless they default on the installments.
• Supply should not be disconnected where a valid complaint, petition, or restraining order is already in force.
• If a consumer extends load beyond the sanctioned limit, LESCO may require load extension within one month, failing which supply may be disconnected.

Disconnection at the Consumer's Request

Temporary disconnection for up to 30 consecutive days may be granted if the final bill is cleared up to the date immediately before the requested disconnection.

• Exemption from minimum or fixed charges is admissible only for the actual approved disconnection period.
• No reconnection fee is charged if supply is restored immediately after the allowed period.
• Seasonal consumers or already disconnected consumers are not eligible for this allowance.
• After the approved period, minimum or fixed charges resume automatically.

Reconnection

A disconnected premises may be reconnected at the consumer's request after all outstanding charges are paid and the applicable reconnection policy is satisfied.

Cost of Material and Security Deposit

• Removed material is normally stored for 365 days, and if reconnection is requested within that period it may be reinstalled after reconnection charges are paid.
• If reconnection is requested after 365 days but within three years, depreciated-value credit may be allowed where the original cost was fully borne by the consumer.
• After three years, no such credit is generally allowed.
• If the existing security deposit remains intact and disconnection does not exceed 365 days, no additional security may be charged.
• Where the security deposit was adjusted or the disconnection period is longer, the consumer may need to pay the adjusted amount or the prevailing-rate deposit.

Reconnection Fee

Reconnection fees vary according to the amount of arrears. In some cases, such as technical grounds or authorized seasonal disconnection, no reconnection fee may apply.

Collection of Arrears

Arrears are added to regular monthly bills. Persistent non-payment may lead to disconnection and further legal proceedings for recovery of dues. LESCO may also pursue arrears where consumers transfer premises or shift operations without clearing electricity bills.