A new electricity connection: the demand note is the only bill
DISCOMs publish every charge (connection, security deposit, meter) in a tariff schedule, and bill them on one official demand note. The classic bribe is "meter installation money" after you've already paid it.
What actually costs money, and what doesn't
| Connection charges + security deposit + meter cost | All on the official demand note generated against your application, payable online or at the cash counter with a receipt. |
| "Lineman's installation charge" | Already part of what you paid. The visit to install your meter is the job, not a favour. |
The official path
- Apply on your DISCOM's portal (every state DISCOM runs one) with the documents on its checklist.
- Receive and pay the demand note. That single document is the complete official cost.
- Installation is scheduled; supply codes in most states set a timeline for connection after payment.
- Meter and connection details appear against your consumer number; billing starts from the meter reading.
Your rights
- State Electricity Supply Codes set connection timelines and standards of performance; some prescribe automatic compensation for delay.
- Every charge must trace to the tariff schedule; you can ask which entry any demanded amount falls under.
- The Electricity Ombudsman and CGRF (Consumer Grievance Redressal Forum) exist specifically for supply grievances.
If the demand comes anyway
Say: "The demand note is paid in full, receipt number here. If any further amount is chargeable, raise it on a revised demand note and I will pay it online. Please schedule the installation; the supply code timeline is running."
Calm beats angry: a demand needs deniability, and a citizen who asks for the fee head, the receipt, and the written defect memo takes the deniability away. Then record it here. Even the refusals, especially the refusals.
If refusing stalls your file
- DISCOM's own grievance portal / helpline against your application number.
- CGRF (Consumer Grievance Redressal Forum), then the Electricity Ombudsman.
- State ACB / Lokayukta for the demand itself.