Date:02/06/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/06/02/stories/2006060222580400.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

KERC dismisses petition seeking compensation

Special Correspondent

BANGALORE: The Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) on Thursday dismissed a petition filed by the Bangalore-based Environment Support Group (ESG) seeking payment of compensation for computers damaged by voltage fluctuations during the 2003 monsoon.

Damage to computers

In the petition, the ESG argued that its computer and software were damaged by high voltage after a coconut tree fell on an electricity pole on June 10, 2003. It requested the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (BESCOM) to pay compensation to it.

`Lapses not proved'

KERC Chairman K.P Pandey and members H.S. Subramanya and S.D. Ukkali heard the two sides and dismissed the petition on the ground that the alleged lapses on the part of BESCOM were not proved. "The link between a coconut tree and such accident is remote," the KERC order said.