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New Meter Connection for Nexon EV Charging

This is being posted here for the benefit of all NexonEV (NEV) owners in Maharashtra, especially from Mumbai. It can be equally useful for NEV or any other EV Owner in India, new or existing, who stays in an apartment complex in any city in India.

Background

As per the 2018 Policy of Maharashtra State for EVs & Related Infra, private EV Charging points are being permitted by way of separate domestic supply metered connection to individuals. This fact is seldom advertised by the EV vendors or the Power Distribution Companies (DisComs).

Why Separate Metered Connection

In my case, to apply for a separate metered connection was the only available option due to the following circumstances:

  • I stay in a skyscraper in western Mumbai and my existing domestic supply electricity meter is located on the 23rd floor.
  • I have my own private dedicated & covered parking slot on the 1st floor of the multi-level podium parking in the building.
  • Tata Power Co. Ltd. (TPCL) executives who install the charging point strongly advised against pulling the cable from my existing meter due to the length involved (approx. 150mtrs). The length also meant using a higher gauged cable (4mm2 or 6mm2) if inevitable.
  • My Society refused the permission to me to pull the wire from the Electrical Shaft as it is already nearly fully occupied, and they wished to keep it open for future common amenities like JIO Fiber.

Why Adani Electricity Mumbai Ltd.

  • As per the present rules, every new connection must be done by the DisCom which has a sub-station installed in the vicinity.
  • TPCL has not yet installed sub-stations in all parts of the city. They cater to the South Mumbai areas primarily and have installed sub-stations in very few locations in the Greater Mumbai region.
  • As per my detailed tariff comparison, TPCL is cost-effective only if the consumption exceeds 300 units per month. For any consumption below 300 units, AEML is much cheaper. The lower the consumption, the cheaper is AEML.
  • If so required, one can always shift to TPCL later on.

Documents Required

Since most of us usually buy apartments in buildings or already built houses, we seldom know the process for the installation of the domestic electricity meter.

So, for the benefit of readers, I explain below the detailed process for a new domestic connection.

The List of Documents & other requisites are:

  • A NO OBJECTION CERTIFICATE from the Builder/Developer/RWA/Co-Op. Housing Soc.
  • A TEST REPORT from a Licensed Electrical Contractor. This will exactly define where the meter will be actually installed.
  • KYC documents & passport size photograph of the Applicant.
  • Proof of Ownership documents (Regd. Agreement/Property Tax or Water Bill/Gas Bill/Share Certificate of the CHS/Latest Maintenance Bill)
  • Existing Electricity Bill as we are applying an additional connection. (NOTE: In case the connection is still in the name of the Builder/Developer, an NOC from the same Builder/Developer will be required compulsorily)
  • Blind Trust on the Contractor.
  • God-like patience to wait for the things to move on the ground.
  • In case inevitable, the willingness to email to the authorities, tweet to the official handles & comment on the Facebook pages.

The Application Form needs to be filled offline and online, both, in case of AEML. All documents, including the form, should be self-attested/signed at the designated places, scanned and then uploaded at the time of applying online. Post online application, the entire set of documents are required to be physically submitted at the AEML office as well.

Application

1. Physical Application Form
  • Prepare the physical application form (PDF available on Adani Electricity portal or collect from any of the AEML offices; Bill Collection centers do not have these forms, but no harm trying your luck).
  • In the form, ensure to mention the email id & mobile number correctly.
  • In the “Address” column, please state as “Parking No. <parking slot number> of <your apartment number>” followed by the Building Name, Address etc.
  • State your existing AEML account & meter numbers.
  • In the “Purpose/Type of Supply” column, select “RESIDENTIAL” only. DO NOT SELECT “EV CHARGING STATION”. The application will be rejected upfront as this is meant for Common/Public Charging points only.
  • In the “Load Demand” column, enter the desired load for “New Load“. I opted for 5kw. NEV needs 3kw load as a minimum. My contractor advised for a 5kw as the charges are same for new meters upto 7kw. If we select a higher load (load > 4kw), we get a better capacity jumper cable to the meter which makes it cheaper to increase the load in future if ever required. Leave the HP column blank. Anything above 7kw will also mean 3-phase supply, which is not required.
  • In the “Type of Meter” column, select SINGLE PHASE meter. NEV can be charged on single phase as advised by TPCL. Plus, the cost for 3 phase connection, meter size and hence meter box size will all increase as well.
2. KYC Documents
  • Prepare all the KYC documents, self-attest them in blue ink and sign at the designated places on the form in blue ink. Remember to sign across the photograph on the form.
  • Obtain the Test Report Certificate from the Contractor with his official stamp & sign. It will also have his credentials to be mentioned in the form.
  • All the KYC documents, NOC, Test Report & the completed AEML form (all pages) need to be scanned for uploading on the AEML portal.
3. Online Application
  • Register on the Adani Electricity portal for the online application using your desired mobile number & email address.
  • Fill the online application form with the same/corresponding details in the physical form.
  • In case “Load Demand” (in HP) is mandatory, state “0” (zero) as we do not have any motor running on the meter.
  • Upload the scanned copies of all documents, photograph, AEML form and submit.
4. Application Processing
  • After submitting the online form on AEML portal, you will immediately get an Application Ref. No. (ARN) starting with letter “T”. This is useful only till the time the application is finally approved by the AEML officers.
  • Submit the physical form along with the entire set of KYC, NOC & other documents at the nearest AEML office. The bill collection centers do not accept new connection forms. Do remember to state the ARN on the face of each document being submitted.
  • Once the ARN is approved, what you get is the final Customer Account Number which clearly assures us that a new account is opened for the meter. The timeline is about 02 working days after submitting documents online.
  • Till this time, the Licensed Contractor kept his Test Report blank and submitted with AEML.

Installation

1. Meter Box
  • If there is no space in the Common Meter Room / Cabinets, we will need to fix a separate Meter Box for installing the Meter. In my case, the Committee decided against giving me space in the Common Meter Cabinets.
  • This Meter Box is fabricated using fire-retardant plywood with acrylic sheet fixed in an aluminum frame for the door. Try to use clear acrylic to enable reading the Meter regularly without opening the Box. The door is lockable & has a latch. The box has ample ventilation and holes for the cables.
  • Advisable dimension of the Box for a Single Phase Meter is 18″ x 16″ x 9″ (Height x Width x Depth). It can be more compact depending on the space available to install the Box.
  • The Meter Box was installed by the Contractor and he fixed an MCB inside the box. We will be connecting the cable for the Charging Point from this MCB. Preferably insist on fitting a high quality MCB (LeGrand / Siemens or equivalent make).
  • After installation, the Contractor updated his Test Report. AEML commenced the connection & installation process only after the Test Report was finalized.
2. Board Wiring
  • An AEML ground executive from my Contractor’s network did the Board Wiring.
  • He fixed some wires in a set pattern and connected one end to the MCB installed in the Box and left the other end lose.
  • This executive uploaded a few pictures of the completed Board Wiring completed in AEML app. Only then, the AEML engineers certify it and direct another team to connect the Jumper Cable.
  • In ideal circumstances, the steps upto Board Wiring can be completed in 6-8 working days. In my case, it took a full 3 months. Partly due to Covid, partly due to resistance in AEML for reasons which I have explained in the end of this blog.
3. Payment for Installation
  • Once the Board Wiring as per the pictures is approved by AEML officers, we receive a link to make the payment for installation.
  • The timeline for this link to be emailed to us is usually 2-3 working days after the Board Wiring.
  • We can pay the same online (through Cards/NEFT/UPI/Wallets etc.) or simply pay cash to the Contractor.
4. Cancellation of Application!
  • AEML being an electric company, loves to shock its customers.
  • Once you make the Payment for Installation, AEML shockingly sends across an email & SMS stating that the “Application is Cancelled“.
  • This happens in about 3-4 working days after the Payment is done.
  • The Contractor explained to me that this, in fact, means that the application is cancelled from the back office and handed over to the ground staff to execute.
5. Jumper Cable Connection
  • This is the most critical of all tasks for any new electricity meter connection.
  • AEML ground staff (a team of 2-3 persons headed by a “Joinder”) finally makes actual connection from the Main Supply Cable to the meter box.
  • They fix a “Jumper Cable” and clip it firmly to reach inside the Meter Box.
  • Timeline is about 2-3 working days post “Cancellation of Application”.
  • Every team of Joinder seeks money here and gives flimsy reasons for extracting money.
  • At this stage, it is incredibly important to trust your Contractor and be immensely patient.
  • Let the Joinder go back if they say so. The contractor will manage the show.
  • Further, at this stage, more than the contractor, the AEML officers are worried as they internally have to report the status of our connection daily and hence, they too will ensure it happens quickly.
6. Meter Finally!
  • The actual Meter is installed within 1-2 days after the Jumper Cable Connection. This too is completed by AEML ground executives.
  • They will connect the Jumper Cable to a Phase MCB & Neutral/Cut-out MCB. They will also connect a cable from the Phase & Neutral to the Meter.
  • And finally the Meter is connected to the Board Wiring wires and this connection is sealed.
  • In my case, AEML quite brazenly told me that they are out of Meters, so it took a week for me.
  • Again, just as for Jumper Cable, AEML officers will ensure it happens quickly as they are reporting it daily and the billing must commence for AEML.

Cost for New Metered Connection (as incurred in 2021)

The total cost for me was:

  1. AEML Charges: ₹ 2616/- (Paid online; ₹ 2593 + ePayment Convenience Fee)
  2. Contractor Fee: ₹ 2100/- (Paid voluntarily)
  3. Meter Box: ₹ 3750/- (Included fabrication, transportation, fitting & MCB)
  4. Misc. Ex-Gratia: ₹ 900/- (Under strict advise of the Contractor)
  5. Gross Total: ₹ 9366/-
  • The Licensed Electrical Contractor whom I found, was highly motivated and keen on experiencing the process of separate meter for EV charging. He never quoted to me or asked any money whatsoever. After due enquiry with my maid & office staff, I concluded the industry rate is about ₹ 2500/- per meter. This includes entire follow-up visits to AEML offices, liaising, co-ordinating etc. with AEML officers, ground executives and more. In my case, it also included fitting the Meter Box twice.
  • All 3 teams of AEML ground executives (Board Wiring, Jumper Cable & Meter) will have to be paid a job-wise ex-gratia of ₹ 200/- to ₹ 500/- as advised by the Contractor.

My Timeline

06-Feb-21
  • Filled-up the physical AEML form & scanned the signed documents.
  • Created the AEML Portal login id, applied online, and uploaded the documents & form on the portal.
  • Submitted the AEML form & entire set of documents physically at the nearest AEML office.
08-Feb-21
  • The application was rejected with an option to rectify online.
  • Reasons for Rejection: Wrong Entry in “Load Demand” in HP (it must be 0) and No Parking Slot Number in Address.
  • The corrections were duly made online by me.
09-Feb-21
  • The rectified application was finally approved by AEML Zonal Head.
  • The permanent Customer Account Number was allotted & intimated to me on email.
17-Mar-21
  • Received an email from AEML that I need to intimate a new service location to them as “the concerned authority” has refused them permission to install the meter at the determined location as per the Test Report.
  • A formal letter to that effect was also issued to me. The Contractor collected the same on my behalf and told me to ignore it. He never handed it over to me.
13-Apr-21
  • The Meter Box was installed by the Contractor.
14-Apr-21
  • The Board Wiring was done by AEML executive.
17-Apr-21
  • Paid the Installation charges online.
20-Apr-21
  • AEML acknowledged receiving the Installation Charges by email.
08-May-21
  • First Joinder’s team visited to make the connection.
  • The electrician of our building & estate manager refused to allow connection from the AEML mainline as it would lead to tripping all water pumps of the complex. They requested to shift the connection to a subsidiary connection adjacent to the location stated in the Application.
10-May-21
  • Got the Meter box shifted to the location as determined on 08-May.
  • Board Wiring was intact, so no additional step added thereon.
  • This was done by the Contractor.
11-May-21
  • Second Joinder’s team visited to make the connection.
  • This Joinder told that they have not been allotted the Jumper Cable, Phase/Neutral MCBs, Cable Glands and more such ancillaries.
  • He unwillingly went back. But while leaving told me, he could sell the same to me if I paid him ₹5000/-. I refused & let him go back.
13-May-21
  • A senior AEML officer visited and modified my application to include the Jumper Cable, MCBs, Gland etc. for the next Joinder’s team.
  • This was arranged by the Contractor.
15-May-21
  • Third Joinder’s team visited and finally made the connection from the AEML mainline and fixed the Jumper Cable upto the Meter Box.
22-May-21
  • Another team of AEML visited and finally installed the new Meter & sealed the connection.
UPDATE: February 2022
  • The above timeline seems extended because of the 2nd wave lockdown due to Covid-19 & its related shortages. Also some roadblocks were raised by the office bearers in the erstwhile managing committee at my apartment complex.
  • Ideally, AEML should now be processing the application and installing the meter within about 15-20 days at the maximum. However, to get such a quick turnaround, several things have to align in the right spots.

Major Hurdles Faced

  • Some Committee Members were unwilling to co-operate. This was particularly an obstacle as the objections were raised after issuing the NOC by duly complying with the formal legal process. Subsequently voices were also raised to revoke the issued NOC.
  • There were some serious office politics among the Managing Committee members which were proving to be a major hurdle as well. During this time, the existing Secretary was urgently & unceremoniously replaced by another Member. This new Secretary was an ex-officer of the erstwhile Reliance Energy Ltd (present day AEML).
  • The Estate Management team managing our complex was changed a few months after I applied with AEML. This change made several existing practices void and I had to repeatedly communicate & explain everything to the new Estate Management. This new team had their own set of new objections which were eventually resolved.
  • The newly appointed Estate Manager forced me to shift the Meter Box by about 1.5mtrs and asked AEML to raise a formal request to make the connection explaining the grounds on which I am being allotted a new meter itself.
  • AEML issued a formal email to me requesting a new service location without giving me detailed reasons for the same. On contacting the AEML office, I was merely informed to collect the letter the Zonal Head gave to the Licensed Contractor.
  • The second lockdown of April-May 2021 due to Covid-19 delayed the process with no assurance of any timelines being adhered to.
  • The Second Joinder was hell-bent on extracting money from me as explained in the timeline earlier.

Some Good Souls

  • Finally, when the objections & anxieties of the Managing Committee & the Estate Manager were resolved, everyone ensured the process went ahead smoothly despite the second lockdown for Covid-19.
  • As time passed, the AEML officers themselves became restless and ensured quick installation once the process actually started.
  • The Licensed Contractor definitely helped here a lot in liaising as otherwise it would have been quite difficult to cut the red-tape in AEML office.

Final Words

As you can see, I have tried to explain every step of the process as experienced by me. I have tried to be as objective as possible and tried to cover everything I could recall. Everyone will surely have a different experience.

However, the steps for new Meter Application & Installation will be more or less the same for every person staying in Apartment Complexes or Independent Houses anywhere in India.

If you feel I missed out anything, please feel free to inform me or comment below.

ALL THE BEST for applying a new metered connection for private EV Charging at home.

SAFE & HAPPY MOTORING!

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