EXTRACT OF ORDER NO.20 DTD.29.07.15
The order was based on the allegations of inflated energy billings provided in the month of Sept.2014 by the Ops to the complainant, which according to complainant is illegal, erroneous and arbitrary.
The case, in brief, is that complainant’s deceased father namely Rama Chandra Sahoo is a consumer under the Ops having Consumer No.with a contract demand of 1.5 K.W. On dt.30.07.2014 due to heavy rain and lightening which caused damaged to the electrical appliances of the complainant and other co-villagers, and service connection was disconnected. Ona request OP No.3 reconnected the service line. Till August,2014 an amount of Rs.3457/- was pending as arrear dues against the complainant. All on a sudden in the month of Septt.2014
complainant received a energy bill to the tune of Rs.25,938/- with a contract demand of 3.0 KW and the bills were prepared in the ‘average basis’ though the meter was running OK. Further, when complainant protested the ‘average’ bill Ops disconnected the power supply to the complainant’s residence, hence the complaint with prayer to restore the power supply and to withdraw the monthly bill charged on the basis of average billings along with compensation and litigation cost.
Though ‘Notice’ was served to OP No.1 and 3, but they did not prefer to appear into the case. Though OP No.2 appeared into the case but did not prefer to file any written statement in support of their stand, hence all the Ops set ex-parte.
Considering the complaint and submission of Ld. Counsel for complainant and on perusal of energy bills it is seen that in the month of August,2014 the bills are prepared on ‘actual’ consumption basis and the arrear amount is Rs.3590/-. But in the month of Septt.2014 the energy bill shown an arrear outstanding of Rs.25,938/- and the bills are prepared on ‘average’ consumption basis.
In the circumstances, when non-appearance of Ops do not enlighten this Forum regarding abnormal increase of the energy bill and by not showing the reasons of providing such energy billings, which according to us is illegal, arbitrary and erroneous.
Hence, it is directed that Ops will withdrawn the illegal billing which are calculated on ‘average’ basis and to supply the monthly energy bills on actual consumption basis, if the other formalities are maintained. Further, the Interim order passed by this Forum is hereby vacated and the amount deposited for the purpose will be adjusted in the arrear outstanding of the complainant. The order is to be carried out within one month of receipt of this order, failing which Rs.50/- will be charged for the delayed period for non-compliance of order.
The complaint is allowed in part. No order as to cost.
Pronounced in the open Court, this the 29th day of July,2015.
