We were suspecting our electric bills to be high - so after several complaints starting from Feb 2009 - meter was taken for testing in Aug 2009 and found to be defective. Meter was found running even when mains supply was switched off. Reliance gave us 20% refund for 5 months starting from Feb 2009 based on Meter test report - which had tested meter for 10%, 20% and 100% load at Unity and 0.5 lag Power Factor. Average Percentage Error of this 6 readings was 20%.
We went to Grievance Forum - they gave order for 20% refund for additional 3 months - as per MERC regulation. But, our current (new) meter reading shows reduction in consumption of units by 61% compared to old meter. This is in spite of the fact that consumption pattern has remained unchanged - before and after the meter change.
So, we're thinking of approaching Ombudsman for the same. But problem is that of MERC regulation - which states following (relevent provisions are reproduced below):
-------------
MAHARASHTRA ELECTRICITY REGULATORY COMMISSION
Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (Electricity Supply Code and Other Conditions of Supply) Regulations, 2005
15.4 Billing in the Event of Defective Meters
15.4.1 Subject to the provisions of Part XII and Part XIV of the Act, in case of a defective meter, the amount of the consumer’s bill shall be adjusted, for a maximum period of three months prior to the month in which the dispute has arisen, in accordance with the results of the test taken subject to furnishing the test report of the meter alongwith the assessed bill.:
Provided that, in case of broken or damaged meter seal, the meter shall be tested for defectiveness or tampering. In case of defective meter, the assessment shall be carried out as per clause 15.4.1 above and, in case of tampering as per Section 126 or Section 135 of the Act, depending on the circumstances of each case.
Provided further that, in case the meter has stopped recording, the consumer will be billed for the period for which the meter has stopped recording, up to a maximum period of three months, based on the average metered consumption for twelve months immediately preceding the three months prior to the month in which the billing is contemplated.
-----------
I feel that meter was running fast since May 1999 - when we had shifted over from Single Phase to Three Phase supply.
So, problem we are wondering is from where and how to get refund for a fast running meter for almost 10 years? Any sugestions?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
-
There has been a steady flow of visitors to Kanha Shanti Vanam Meditation Centre, located about 50 km away from Hyderabad city. This is mai... -
Given below is the Heartfulness (Sahaj Marg) Prayer in 46 languages of the world. Heartfulness Prayer in various languages of the Wor...
-
It's time to write about experience of my newly purchased Toyota Etios car - as Odometer has crossed 2,000 kms. This may be called c...
We're a small team of people who have been dealing with these issues for many years.
ReplyDeleteOur Forum has a few tecnical and legal experts who may be able to help you.
Http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bijlee
Filed appeal before Ombudsman. Argued on the appointed date. From Reliance side their legal officer - who is an advocate - appeared.
ReplyDeleteOmbudsman did not listen to my argument to ask Reliance to prove that meter was not faulty by furnishing mandatory Meter Test report (to be done when meter is installed, as well as once to be done in 5 years). He said your meter was installed 11 years back. It's not possible to expect them to have record of the same. I argued saying at least ask them for 2009 report - which they were supposed to be doing every 5 years - as per provision 18(2) of Central Electricity Authority (CEA) Installation and Operation of Meters Regulation 2006. This provision says 'Testing of Consumer meters shall be done at site at least once in 5 years.' He did not listen.
In his order he awarded 29% compensation - which was maximum error recorded in the test result (against earlier awarded 20% compensation). He did not agree to grant compensation for earlier periods - as MERC regulation clearly provides for refund for a period 3 month prior to the date of first complaint. So, consumers have to be very alert in filing complaint in writing as soon as they suspect higher bill.
In June 2011, after lot of paper work, we shifted to another supplier. We had told them to get their own electric meter. And, believe me, although usage pattern has remained same, over more than 1 year period, number of units consumed has remained lower by 33%!
ReplyDeleteSo, we were paying 50% more to earlier supplier, with their supposedly new and accurate meter!