Discoms yet to recast redressal fora

Commenting on the delay,Consumer Protection and Action Committee president Mukesh Parikh said authorities were to be recast by September 7,but more than a couple of months have already lapsed and grievances of power consumers are going mostly unheard. “The members of the forum are on the payroll of companies,” he said,adding that no justice could be expected in such fora.

The recast forum in a discom will have statutory powers to dispose of complaints regarding meter reading,billing and disconnection of power supply. Also,the new forums will have a member from the consumer bodies for better protection of consumers,Parikh said. The forum will also look into problems like distribution companies resorting to unfair means or adopting restricted trade practices while providing distribution services to power consumers.

The forum will not only hear their grievances,but also grant stay on actions of discoms in such matters,Parikh said.

The electricity ombudsman has been vested with power to hear appeals against CGRF decisions.

GERC will shortly call in applications for the post of electricity ombudsman. The ombudsman will either be a retired district judge,retired government secretary,a judicial or quasi judicial officer,with three years experience,or a retired inspector of electricity. The tenure of the ombudsman is three years.

CGRF will have a chairman and two other members — one technical and one independent. GERC will appoint the independent member ,Parikh added.