GIFT Power Company Limited (GIFT PCL), the electricity distribution licensee serving Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City), has approached the Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission (GERC) seeking approval to install consumer electricity meters in the first basement of new and upcoming high-rise buildings. The petition has been filed under Section 50 of the Electricity Act, 2003.

According to the company, the proposal has been made due to the unique infrastructure design of GIFT City. As a planned smart city, GIFT City follows a modern urban development model where major utility services are located underground. Power cables, water pipelines, district cooling systems, and waste management networks are routed through a dedicated Underground Utility Tunnel. These utility connections enter buildings through the first basement level, making it difficult to follow conventional meter installation practices.

Under normal electricity distribution guidelines, consumer meters are generally installed on the ground floor or at easily accessible locations. However, GIFT PCL stated that this arrangement is not practical in high-rise developments within GIFT City. Many towers contain between 150 and 250 residential or commercial units, requiring a large number of electricity meters. The company argued that allocating sufficient space for these meters on the ground floor is challenging, as these areas are mainly reserved for building entrances, security systems, and public access facilities.

The utility company explained that several key electrical installations are already located in the basements of these buildings. These include transformers, high-tension switchgear, low-tension panels, and other distribution equipment. Electricity supplied through GIFT PCL’s network is stepped down from 66 kV to 33 kV before being distributed to consumers. The company believes that placing consumer meters in the same basement utility areas would improve operational efficiency and optimize space utilization.

To address safety concerns, GIFT PCL has proposed strict technical standards for the installations. Consumer meters will only be placed in the first basement level and will be supported by modern fire-safe infrastructure. The company plans to use dry-type transformers and gas-insulated switchgear, which are considered safer than traditional oil-filled equipment and reduce fire-related risks.

Following the filing of the petition, GERC has initiated the regulatory process and issued a public notice inviting comments, suggestions, and objections from stakeholders and the general public. Interested parties have been given a three-week period to submit their views. The Commission will review all submissions before issuing its final decision, which could influence future electricity infrastructure planning in smart city developments across India.

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