Multipoint power connections offer manifold benefits

To end the malpractices resorted to by builders and RWAs, the Government decided to provide electricity connections directly to flat-owners through multipoint connections. These are easy to install, cost-effective and have a host of other advantages. It is in the interest of housing society residents to move away from old, single-point connections to the multipoint ones. 

Residential societies have long been used to single-point connections for tracking energy consumption through dual source dual-register meters. These connections provide a single, dedicated link involving a single transmitter and a sole receiver. In this system, consumers are totally dependent on RWAs and builders to procure electricity connection to their flats/apartments. The builders and the RWAs levy maintenance charges through this channel and the consumers are left with no choice but to pay premium charged by the former on per unit price of electricity at which it is bought from the Electricity Department. The end result is, the consumers getting overcharged, or fleeced!

To end this malpractice, the Government decided to provide electricity connections directly to flat-owners through multipoint connections, cutting out the middlemen, i.e. the builders and the RWAs, in the process. In a multipoint connection, a flat-owner can directly apply for power connection from the Electricity Department. However, the multipoint connections can only be provided if at least 51 per cent residents of the society are willing to opt for these.

• The builders and the RWAs levy maintenance charges through this channel and the consumers are left with no choice but to pay premium charged by the former on per unit price of electricity.
• There are multiple advantages of multipoint connections over the old, single-point connections. Primarily, with multipoint connections, consumers can save a lot on electricity consumption.
• In multipoint connections, consumers can decide their desired load, thereby, saving money on fixed monthly charges. The maintenance charges by builders cannot be charged through these meters.

A multipoint connection is easy to install as it does not require a series of individual connections. All the meters in the society are connected to a single-point source, which is the meter installed by the Electricity Department outside the society. The one-time charge for the consumers is cost-effective as it eliminates the cost of cables and installations.

Besides, there are multiple advantages of multipoint connections over the old, single-point connections. Primarily, with multipoint connections, consumers can save a lot on electricity consumption. For example, if a consumer uses around 600 units of electricity per month, he/she can save up to Rs 10,000 annually. Another advantage of a multipoint connection is that the consumer will get the electricity bill directly from the DISCOMs (distribution companies), which can also be used as a legal address proof in India. Moreover, in case of a grievance, the consumers can directly approach the DISCOMs to get it redressed.

Apart from all these, in multipoint connections the consumers can decide their desired load, thereby, saving money on the fixed monthly charges. The maintenance charges by builders cannot be charged through these meters though the DG supply in the society will still be provided by them. Overall, it’s hugely in the interest of the members living in a housing society to opt for multipoint connections by simply contacting the DISCOM responsible for power supply in that particular society.