Power regulator asks discom to explain hefty bills

The Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission has asked distribution firm BSES to explain why many Delhiites are receiving inflated bills, reports Avishek G Dastidar.

The Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission has asked distribution firm BSES to explain why many Delhiites are receiving inflated bills.

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The BSES is a Reliance Energy group company distributing power in the capital.

The DERC has the power to initiate an inquiry and, upon finding sufficient reasons, penalise the discoms by seeking a refund.

“We’ll ask for factual reports from the discoms regarding the reportedly inflated bills,” DERC secretary Amarendra Tewary said.

On Wednesday, HT had reported that many people had complained of overbilling.

After the lapse of a 10 per cent subsidy on tariffs on May 31, power bills were expected to go up — but not by so much, say residents.

Moreover, the bills indicate increased power consumption in June and July — when many residents faced power cuts of eight to ten hours a day.

“My bill for August is Rs 20,292,” said Dr Sarita Kumar, an associate professor at Delhi University. “Usually, it ranges from Rs 2,500 to Rs 8,000.”

There have not been any complaints about NDPL, the other discom in Delhi.