CERS wants reconnection electric charges refunded

Ahmedabad, June 8 (UNI) Consumer Education and Research Society (CERS), Ahmedabad, has filed a petition before the Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission (GERC), demanding the refund of re-connection charges collected by the state-owned distribution companies (DISCOMS) without disconnection of power.

CERS received many complaints from consumers of Paschim Gujarat Vij Co. Ltd. (PGVCL) and Uttar Gujarat Vij Co Ltd. (UGVCL) about their arbitrary collection of Rs 100 and Rs 200 from residential and commercial consumers respectively for the payment of electricity bill on/after the due date and without disconnection of power, CERS said in a release here.

CERS approached the GERC for action against these DISCOMS which, being monopolies, did not bother about GERC directives and regulations. GERC regulations on the Electricity Supply Code are clear on the subject. Clause 6.4.1 states that if the electricity bill is not paid within ten days or as per the due date given on the bill, consumers will forfeit the prompt payment discount (PPD) or be liable to pay delayed payment charges (DPC) at prevailing bank rates as the case may be.

Clause 6.4.7 states that the electricity companies have to issue 15 days clear notice separately or on electricity bill for disconnection of power supply for non-payment of dues and electricity charges.

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