An NDPL official said the power distribution company (discom) would use Geographical Information System (GIS) to monitor the procedure. “We have satellite images of our entire network, which makes it easy to see from which point a new connection can be installed,” the official said. “But this service will only be provided to consumers seeking domestic connection with a load of 2 KW or more.”

The pilot project in this scheme is already underway in Shakti Nagar and NDPL will soon roll it out to other areas once feasibility of the project is established, the official said. All work relating to new connections — from applicant request till a demand number is generated — will be done online, officials said. Consumers in areas under NDPL network will have to provide the connection number of one of their neighbours to avail this facility. New consumers can either call NDPL or go to their call centre to get a demand number on their request for a new connection.

According to officials, the demand number will be instantly forwarded to the division responsible for installing meters.