Date:29/11/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/11/29/stories/2007112952230300.htm

Other States - Orissa

Fine imposed on power company

Correspondent

Discom faulted for “arbitrarily snapping power supply for 14 days” to a paper industry

CUTTACK: In a significant ruling the Orissa Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission has asked the power distribution company Central Electricity Supply Utility (CESU), the erstwhile Central Electricity Supply Company (Cesco) to pay Rs 30.10 lakhs to a Cuttack-based paper industry for “arbitrarily snapping its power supply for 14 days”.

Alleging that the paper unit--Cosboard Industries Ltd situated at Jagatpur -- had interfered and tampered with its metering unit, Cesco had disconnected power supply to the industry from December 17 to 30 in the year 2002.

The power distribution company had alleged that interference in metering unit of the industry had caused unsafe condition not only at the installation but had affected the entire distribution network.

Charges denied

The paper industry however denied the charges and lodged a complaint before the Inspector of Electrical, an independent body having expertise in the field.

Supply restored

The Inspector of Electrical after conducting a joint inspection along with Cesco officials gave its opinion stating that the paper industry had not interfered with its metering unit box.

Subsequently, the Cesco restored power supply to the industry on December 30, 2002.

But the paper industry which runs three plants on its premises with a combined capacity of 60mt per day stated that due to disruption of power supply for 14 days it had incurred heavy loss.

Claiming Rs 47.29 lakhs from Cesco for the loss, the industry had moved the consumer court.

‘Deficiency of service’

Adjudicating the case, Chairman of the Commission Justice R K Patra and member Subash Mahatab on Monday found the complaint was genuine.

It was a clear case of deficiency of service by the power distribution company and is therefore liable to compensate the loss, the court said.

The Commission, however, slashed the claim of the industry to 70 per cent and directed the Cesco to pay Rs 30.10 lakhs to the paper industry by January 26, 2008. Allowing the complaint, the Commission also asked Cesco to pay Rs 5000 to the complainant towards the cost of the case.