Ref : E&R/Press/2004/saurabh.50/JSD

CERS Pleads for Minister’s Attention to Plight of Power Consumers

Consumer Education and Research Society (CERS), Ahmedabad, has drawn the State Energy Minister, Mr. Saurabh Dalal’s attention to a large number of consumer complaints received by it about their harassment by power generators and distributors in Gujarat.

In a representation to him, CERS said that electricity consumers are being made to run from pillar to post with their grievances unresolved and are compelled to surrender before the monopolistic approach of these utilities.

The non-implementation of some of the provisions prescribed in the Electricity Act 2003 has put the consumers in the State in great hardship. Earlier, consumers had the facility to approach Appellate Committees for the redressal of their grievances. But power generating utilities have discontinued the committees, CERS pointed out.

The Act empowers the State Government to appoint members of the new Appellate Committees. But even after ten months, it has yet to appoint the members. CERS requested the Minister to appoint the members soon so that consumers were not harassed and could approach the committees for justice.

The Act also stipulates stringent steps like imprisonment or fine or both to punish power pilferers. Section 153 of the Electricity Act - 2003 empowers the State Government to set up special courts providing for speedy trial of such offences under Sec.135 to 139 of the Act. The power generating and distribution utilities have filed a number of criminal cases against consumers who allegedly committed the theft of power and they are now compelled to deposit 100 per cent amount before their power supply is restored.

CERS agreed that the consumers indulging in power theft should be punished and penalised. But, due to non-existence of special courts, these utilities collect huge amounts from consumers who are anxiously awaiting justice from such special courts. CERS has received a number of complaints on this issue and some of them have been resolved after its intervention. Even then many consumers remain without power for months together, the CERS representation added.

The consumer-oriented Electricity Act - 2003 has made power generating, transmitting and distributing companies accountable for standards of performance and consumer services. But non-existence of appellate committees, special courts, consumer Forums and ombudsmen, to whom consumers can approach for their grievances, are not available even today.

CERS has requested the Minister to constitute appellate committees and special courts in the larger interest of electricity consumers of Gujarat.

Date : 28/10/2004
Place : Ahmedabad

Pritee Shah
Editor
INSIGHT - The Consumer Magazine

 

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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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