Booklet for consumers on electricity services

Shantanu Dixit,Prayas Energy Group,said,“One of the motive of taking out this booklet was to guide the consumers. The booklet not only introduces consumers to laws and regulations about power sector,but also makes them aware of the legalities of getting new connections and discrepancies in meter readings.” The guide gives detailed information on issues like,new connections,transfer of connections,meters,electricity bills,security deposits,quality of power supply and rights and duties.

It also carries a special section on consumer grievance redressal forum and and legal issues.

A chapter on power thefts has also been added. The guide focuses on the role of Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Ltd (MSEDCL) and also on Electricity Act 2003.

Dixit said,“We found that not only common man,but also officers from power companies are unaware of rules. For example,it is mandatory for power utility to inform consumers about power cuts 15 days in advance. But it is never done. On the contrary,officers many times claim there is no such provision.

The book will prove to be useful to researchers,journalists,teachers,engineers along with consumers and officers of the power companies,” he added. Those who wish to get a copy of the booklet can contact Prayas Energy Group office at 020-25420720.