Fire NOC must for buildings higher than 15 metres in Delhi

In response to an increase in fire incidents during the summer months in the national capital, the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC) has proposed that residential buildings over 15 meters high must obtain a fire safety no objection certificate (NOC) to receive an electricity connection. The DERC also suggested empowering discoms to cut off power supplies to buildings scheduled for demolition by civic agencies. 

The DERC issued a notice for amendments to the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (Supply Code and Performance Standards) Regulations, 2017, under the authority granted by Section 57 in conjunction with Section 181(2)(za) of the Electricity Act, 2003 (Act 36 of 2003). 

According to Regulation No. 10(7) of the principal regulations, discoms may disconnect electricity supply if a court, DDA, MCD, or another competent statutory authority orders the demolition of the premises. Additionally, Regulation 10(8) specifies that electricity connections will not be provided to dwelling units over 15 meters high without stilt parking or over 17.5 meters high with stilt parking unless a fire clearance certificate from the competent authority is obtained and presented upon request. 

The DERC has published the draft Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (Supply Code and Performance Standards) (Sixth Amendment) Regulations, 2024, inviting suggestions and objections from stakeholders, including the general public. 

Discom officials stated that the requirement for a fire safety certificate for specified buildings will become more strictly enforceable once it becomes part of the DERC regulations. Fire-related calls surged in May and June this year due to unprecedented heat, leading to the loss of life and property in the city. The Delhi Fire Services (DFS) received 183 fire-related calls on May 28-29. From January 1 to May 26, the department received 8,912 fire-related calls.