New Delhi

Far-reaching directive to power distribution companies

Staff Reporter

"Consumers not be charged on the basis of electronic meters''

NEW DELHI: The State Consumer Redressal Forum on Monday directed that power consumers here would not be charged on the basis of electronic meters.

Taking suo motu cognisance of complaints by power consumers about alleged fast running electronic meters, the State Commission chairman Justice (retired) J. D. Kapoor directed power distribution companies that they will not charge on the basis of electronic meters and that the consumer can pay on the basis of six months average of the billing before installation of the electronic meter.

He also directed that the power companies cannot disconnect power should the consumer chose to pay in this fashion.

Stating that the order has come as a shot in the arm for the campaign being run by People's Action in conjunction with residents' welfare associations all over Delhi, its president Sanjay Kaul said: "We are happy to report a second straight success after the roll-back of the tariff hike. The issue of electronic meters had exercised Delhi's residents no end over the past few years and we are glad to have delivered on the second resolution of the RWA Convention of July 14th. We are thankful to all RWAs of Delhi who have supported our campaign so vociferously and so successfully. We are now preparing for the third and final step in our mandated cause - the review of the DVB privatisation deal.''

"The State Commission's suo motu intervention is a god-sent in the face of a Government that was looking the other way. We are thrilled to note that the Judge has mirrored our long pending suggestion before the DERC to allow users of electronic meters the option of paying on an average basis until the issue is resolved,'' said People's Action general secretary D. K. Shandilya.

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