What is disconnection and reconnection?
The discom can cut supply for unpaid dues after 15 clear days' written notice, and must reconnect within six working hours of payment. Also called disconnection, reconnection, RC charges, cut-off, DC/RC.
- Plain English
- Official sources
- Bill terms A–Z
Disconnection and reconnection on your bill
Disconnection means physical or remote separation of your premises from the network.
For unpaid dues, the discom must first give at least 15 clear days' notice in writing.
After you pay the dues and charges, the discom must reconnect within the commission's time limit. This is never more than six working hours.
The discom may add a reconnection charge. The commission sets the rate.
A prepaid meter that runs out of credit is not a disconnection. It restarts when you recharge.
Official sources
- Electricity Act, 2003 (as amended; copy hosted by the Tripura High Court), s.56(1)
“the licensee or the generating company may, after giving not less than fifteen clear days' notice in writing” - Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules, 2020, G.S.R. 818(E), 31-12-2020 (Gazette copy hosted by MERC), rule 2(1)(h)
“the physical separation or remote disconnection of a consumer from the distribution system” - Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules, 2020, G.S.R. 818(E), 31-12-2020 (Gazette copy hosted by MERC), rule 9(2)
“not exceeding six working hours of receipt of past dues and other charges as applicable.” - TNERC Tamil Nadu Electricity Supply Code (consolidated text), reg. 5(8)
“The Licensee shall collect reconnection charge from LT/HT consumers at the rates specified”
Read on 17 October 2026. Your State regulator’s rules and your discom’s bill have the final word.