What is sanctioned load?
Sanctioned load is the load in kW, kVA or HP that the discom agreed to supply to your connection. Also called contracted load, sanctioned demand, contract load.
- Plain English
- Official sources
- Bill terms A–Z
Sanctioned load on your bill
The discom approves a load when you apply for a connection. This is the sanctioned or contracted load.
The bill prints it in kW or kVA. Many fixed charges are per kW of sanctioned load.
Example: a fixed charge of Rs 20 per kW with a 3 kW sanctioned load gives Rs 60 a month.
If you use more than the sanctioned load, some commissions add a penalty. Others raise the sanctioned load.
Apply to the discom to raise or reduce the sanctioned load. A lower load can reduce fixed charges.
Official sources
- UPERC Electricity Supply Code, 2005, Notification UPERC/Secy.-Supply Code/05-4528, 18-02-2005 (copy hosted by PVVNL), cl. 2.2(s)
“Wherever the word 'sanctioned load' is used, it shall mean contracted load or vice versa.” - UPERC Electricity Supply Code, 2005, Notification UPERC/Secy.-Supply Code/05-4528, 18-02-2005 (copy hosted by PVVNL), cl. 2.2(s) 'Contracted Load'
“maximum electrical load in KW, KVA or BHP agreed to be supplied by the Licensee” - TNERC Tamil Nadu Electricity Distribution Code (consolidated to 31-03-2024), reg. 2(1) 'Sanctioned demand'
“the demand sanctioned by the Licensee and specified in the agreement.” - CSERC Tariff Schedule for FY 2026-27 (CSPDCL tariff order, 24-06-2026), LV-1 table
“Rs. 20/- per kW/month for Sanctioned Load up to 5 kW”
Read on 17 October 2026. Your State regulator’s rules and your discom’s bill have the final word.