
According to the DERC order: “Since there is a possibility of inaccurate bills, the Commission considers it would be appropriate to charge consumers who have complained against high billing in the months of June, July, August, 2009, on a provisional basis.”
The Secretary, DERC, A K Tewary, said the order will apply to consumers who have lodged a complaint and who may complain now, provided their bills are 50 per cent or more higher than their 2008 bills. “Many consumers do not file complaints as it is too much of a hassle. The relief should be for all consumers whose bills show a significant hike,” said Pankaj Aggarwal, President, Joint Front of RWAs.
The more important issue, according to DERC, is the accuracy of meters. The DERC has initiated a two-fold arrangement. The Bangalore-based Centre for Power Research Institute will carry out independent testing of meters on the premises of consumers who have filed complaints. Also, both discoms have been advised to install additional check meters at such homes. The meters will remain in place till April 30, 2010, following which all data will be analysed to see if these are accurate. If they are not, the bills will be adjusted.
The DERC report, however, is based on investigations by the Standardization, Testing and Quality Certification report, which the BSES had earlier termed “inaccurate and inconclusive”. It is likely that the BSES may appeal against certain sections of the DERC order.
Another direction stipulates that in the future, the discom carry out a “pre- and post-audit check” before issuing bill which is 50 per cent higher than the one in the corresponding period of previous years.
Source- Indian Express