Ref : ER/Press/04/gerc/sam-dG

GEB Permits Customers to Install Own Meters

The Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission (GERC), in its order on 23 March 2004, directed the Gujarat Electricity Board (GEB) to allow consumers to install their own meters. To facilitate this step, the Commission has directed the Board to withdraw its Distribution Circular No. 782 and issue a fresh circular.

The GEB circular of No. 782 of 16 March 2003 had directed its zonal offices not to allow consumers to install their own meters as the Board had sufficient meters available with it.

Consumer Education and Research Society (CERS), Ahmedabad, had petitioned the GERC on 12 January 2004 against Circular No. 782 and pleaded for directing the GEB to allow customers to install their own meters.

The GERC had admitted the CERS petition and the first hearing was held on 9 February 2004, wherein the GEB demanded two weeks’ time on grounds that the matter was being discussed at the Board’s highest level.

During the next hearing on 23 February 2004 the GEB agreed to withdraw the circular and issue a fresh one within a month.

CERS had quoted during the hearing various provisions of the Indian Electricity Act 1910 and particularly Sec.55 of the Indian Electricity Act 2003 which authorises consumers to install their own meters.

As per the GERC order, the GEB issued a new circular on 25 March 2004 allowing consumers to install their own meters tested and certified by the GEB or any National Accreditation Board for Testing and Certification Laboratory (NABL) approved testing laboratory, e.g. Electronics and Quality Development Centre (EQDC), Gandhinagar and Electrical Research and Development Association (ERDA), Vadodara. The GEB did not issue any Press Release for the information of its consumers in spite of CERS’ request.

CERS, therefore, issues this Press Release in the interest of consumers of the GEB, the Ahmedabad Electricity Company (AEC) and the Surat Electricity Company (SEC) informing them that they can install their own meters wherein utilities cannot charge any meter rent from them.

For further clarifications on this issue, consumers may contact Mr. K.K. Bajaj, Hon. Director, CERS, on phone numbers 27489945 and 27489946 or e-mail : cerc@wilnetonline.net.

Date : 29/06/2004
Place : Ahmedabad

Pritee Shah
Editor
INSIGHT - The Consumer Magazine

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Opinions, test results and research findings issued through this Press Release cannot be used in any form directly or indirectly for advertising, promotional or commercial purpose.

CONSUMER EDUCATION AND RESEARCH SOCIETY
“Suraksha Sankool”, Thaltej, Sarkhej-Gandhinagar Highway, Ahmedabad- 380 054 (INDIA)
Phone: 079-27489945-46 Fax: 079-27489947
E-mail: cerc@wilnetonline.net
Web Site: http://www.cercindia.org
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