Gujarat Eases Power Rules for Families Outside Villages

Gandhinagar, Gujarat — In a major pro-citizen move, the Gujarat government under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendrabhai Patel has made significant amendments to its rural electricity connection policy to benefit families and farmers living outside village boundaries. The reforms aim to expand access to reliable electricity and support socio-economic activities in remote areas.

Energy Minister Kanubhai Desai, while announcing the decisions, stated, “This policy change will directly benefit thousands of citizens residing outside the main village areas, including those in wadis or isolated farms. Our goal is to ensure 24-hour electricity to every corner of Gujarat, including the outskirts.”

Key Changes in Electricity Connection Policy:

1. Load Limit Increased for Residential Connections Outside Villages

Until now, families living outside the village were eligible for only up to 3 kilowatts (KW) of single-phase electricity from agricultural feeders, and the state government reimbursed either the actual cost or ₹1 lakh, whichever was lower. Under the new policy, this limit has been raised to 6 KW, and families will now pay a fixed KW-based charge, significantly reducing upfront costs.

“This means farmers and residents can now avail better electricity without heavy initial expenses. It’s a people-first decision,” added Desai.

2. Easier Connections from Non-Agricultural Feeders

To further ease access, the state government will now allow electricity connections to isolated houses from non-agriculture (non-Ag) feeders, without any upper load limit, provided they meet safety and infrastructure conditions. Technical verification will be done by the Circle Office, and bunch cables will be used for added safety and power theft prevention.

3. Fixed Charges for Public and Commercial Units

The policy also reduces the cost burden on units like Ashramshalas, Adarsh Residential Schools, hostels, and government offices, along with poultry farms, stables, cattle sheds, shrimp farms, milk chilling plants, mango ripening centres, and mobile towers. Previously, they were required to pay full installation costs. Now, they too will pay only a KW-based fixed charge.

In a thoughtful inclusion, grain grinding mills outside village areas are now also covered. “This will allow villagers to grind grains close to home, improving rural convenience,” said Desai.

4. Jyotigram Feeder Coverage Expanded

A third significant update was made to the Jyotigram feeder policy. Earlier, at least 15 houses outside the village were required to access electricity via Jyotigram feeders. Now, only 10 houses are sufficient, greatly improving the chances of smaller clusters getting connected.

Supporting Rural Growth

These decisions align with Gujarat’s broader rural development and electrification goals under its Energy and Infrastructure Vision 2022–2027. With these reforms, the government hopes to bridge the urban-rural energy gap and empower farmers and citizens alike.

“These decisions reflect our government’s commitment to equitable development and improving the quality of life for every Gujarati,” concluded Energy Minister Kanubhai Desai.