CPDL Refunds meter rental charges levied earlier by EWEDC to about two lakh consumers, following Regulator’s Directions

Chandigarh, February 18, 2026: In compliance with the directions of the Hon’ble Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) and the Order of the Electricity Ombudsman, Chandigarh Power Distribution Limited (CPDL) has credited refunds of meter rental charges to about two-lakh consumers.

The meter rental charges had been abolished by Hon’ble JERC; however, the same continued to be levied by the Electricity Wing of the Engineering Department Chandigarh (EWEDC) between April 1, 2023, and November 5, 2024. As a result, some consumers approached the Consumer Grievance Redressal Forum (CGRF) in November 2024, which directed EWEDC to refund these meter rental charges.

As the directions were not complied with, the matter was escalated by the consumers to the Ombudsman. Subsequently, suo motu proceedings were initiated by the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC).

EWEDC was responsible for refunding the amount, while CPDL was required to pass on the credit amount to consumers after taking over electricity distribution operations on February 1, 2025.

In compliance with the directions of the Regulatory authorities, CPDL, after receiving consumer-wise data from National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT), calculated the refundable amount along with applicable interest and credited it directly to the consumers’ electricity accounts.

This large-scale transaction was made possible through CPDL’s recently implemented in-house billing system. The refund of meter rental charges has been reflected under “Meter Rental” head in recent consumer bills.

A CPDL spokesperson stated that the company has ensured timely compliance with the Regulatory directions and remains committed to safeguarding consumer interests and maintaining transparency in billing practices.
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