People paying up dues, claim discoms

Even though Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal claimed support of over 10 lakh people, collections by power distribution companies show a contrasting reality.

Even though Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal claimed support of over 10 lakh people, collections by power distribution companies show a contrasting reality.

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Discoms claimed Kejriwal’s campaign against allegedly inflated power bills has not had any impact and people have not only been paying their bills, but some have even made advance payment as well.

For instance, Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited (TPDDL) claimed receipt of 106% of payments.

“Our collection in March was to the tune of 106 per cent,” said Praveer Sinha, CEO and executive director of TPDDL.

While TPDDL had set a target of Rs. 420 crore, they have already received Rs. 430 crore in March. BSES Rajdhani Power Limited and BSES Yamuna Power Limited did not provide statistics but claimed that the agitation did not affect their bill collections.

“We have had no representation from consumers or groups of consumers in this regard. Our collections during the month of March have been consistent with our expectations. There has been no impact at all,” said a BSES spokesperson.

AAP, however, rubbished claims made by the discoms and alleged that they have disconnected power to many houses for non-payment. “Why are they disconnecting so many connections, if everyone has paid their bills? They are simply lying. We will reconnect power to these houses,” said AAP spokesman Manish Sisodia.

TPDDL officials said that they hold a meeting with the RWAs on the first Friday of every week and nobody raised the issue. “Consumers told us that they have even made advance payments. Even if somebody fails to pay their bill, two notices are served and out staff visits the house before power is disconnected,” said the official.