While the Andhra Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission clearly lists uninterrupted power supply as an electricity consumer’s right, and has a three-tier system in place for addressing consumer complaints, not a single complaint has been received regarding interruption of supply over the last one month.
A few complaints have been received from industrial consumers regarding power interruption, but domestic consumers either can’t be bothered to complain or do not know such an option exists.
A consumer can approach the electricity department as well as the Electricity Consumer Grievances Redressal Forum with a complaint. If not satisfied with the response, the consumer can approach the Vidyut Ombudsman, who is the final authority for solving complaints.
Most cases get solved at the earlier two levels. Only four complaints have reached the ombudsman over the last nine months.
The Electricity Consumer Grievances Redressal Forum has received the most complaints in the nine months of its existence and incorrect billing is the most common complaint. No complaints have been received about the long hours of power cuts. A few consumers have petitioned the Forum to alter the timings of the scheduled cuts.
“A total of 365 complaints have been received by the Forum since its inception in July last year. Of these, only 36 are under consideration; the rest have been resolved. We have also fined five officials for delay in solving the grievances. However, no complaints regarding power interruption have been received from individuals. However, a few complaints were received from industrial consumers last month when power holidays were imposed,” said Jaltar Yadaiah, the Forum chairperson.
The Vidyut Ombudsman has not received a single complaint from individual consumers over power cuts. “We have not received any complaints regarding power supply interruption from either individual or industrial consumers,” confirmed the ombudsman, Mr K. Sanjeeva Rao Naidu.
The Electricity Act 2003 as well as the AP Electricity Regulatory Commission stipulates that it is the state government’s obligation to supply smooth and stable power supply to all areas including far-flung rural areas.
The Forum has the power to punish officials who delay or fail to dispose of grievances. Given that consumers are badly harassed by power shutdowns, their failure to complain is probably due to the fact that they are unaware of their rights.