Soon, Bengalureans can lodge electricity complaints by sending an SMS. Not just that, the consumers will be kept in the loop about power cuts too through SMS updates. The Bangalore Electricity Supply Company that for long had proposed an SMS-based system finally has started its implementation. In the first phase, the project will be implemented in the South End Circle covering some major areas of the city.
The SMS initiative will be activated first in the Bescom South circle, which covers Jayanagar, Koramangala, HAL, Marathahalli, HSR Layout, Murugeshpalya and Banashankari,” said L. Ravi, Bescom General Manager (Electrical) and chief spokesperson. To lodge their complaints, consumers should send the message to 530530 with their RR number and complaint. After receiving the complaint, Bescom’s interactive software will immediately register the complaint and send back the consumer an acknowledgement along with the complaint number – all within 25 seconds.
While lodging complaints, software also will copy the mobile number along with the RR numbers of consumers. “There had been a plan for long to introduce the SMS-based power outage information system. Now we will be able to provide power cut information through SMSs,” Mr Ravi added.
Bescom will start compiling an extensive phone book database for sending out power-related information. “The number received through complaints will be added to the database. Besides, meter readers will also collect numbers from customers. Once the new website is activated, it will also have the option for consumers to register their numbers online,” he said.
At present, the service is still being tested and expected to be activated by June 27. The system will cover the entire city by the yearend, he said.