E-Paper
KESCo move to check consumer harassment
A PAMPHLET containing all relevant information regarding formalities to be fulfilled by a consumer before applying for a new electricity connection is likely to be circulated by KESCo within a week.
A PAMPHLET containing all relevant information regarding formalities to be fulfilled by a consumer before applying for a new electricity connection is likely to be circulated by KESCo within a week.
It was after KESCo was flooded with complaints relating to harassment of consumers while applying for a new connection that the KESCo management swung into action and came out with this innovative idea.
The pamphlet will have all relevant information, including the amounts charged for different KW of connection, security and installation charge to be paid by a consumer for a new connection.
The cumbersome process of applying for a new power connection deters consumers from visiting their substations and, as a last resort, they go for an illegal connection. Officials at the substation are also accused of unnecessarily harassing consumers and not conveying proper information to them. As a result even after making several visits to the substation a consumer is not able to get a new connection. Allegations of soliciting bribes from hapless consumers are also levelled on KESCo officials, specially those deployed at substations.
Talking to the HT, KESCo managing director Sudhir Garg said, “The decision about the pamphlet has been taken in the larger interest of consumers so that they don’t have to run from pillar to post to fulfil formalities before applying for a new connection.”
“If any complaint of undue harassment of consumers is received and any undue delay in issuing a new connection is reported, then action against the official concerned will be taken,” asserted the MD.
Other such measures for convenience of consumers were also likely to be taken for increasing efficiency of KESCo, added the MD.
