The consumers in Bhawanipatna are being constantly harassed since Tata Power (TPWODL) took over Wesco.The State Government very objective to privatise the discoms seems to have failed as consumers have begun to complain against Tata Power.
Anjan Rath, a resident of Bhawanipatna, who wanted a new electric connection for construction of a building on his land, said for the last 10 days, he has been trying to pay online but the website is not working. For new connection, land documents are uploaded on website and later, payment is made. “Unless I get the new connection, fetching water from the tubewell is impossible that is delaying the construction,” Anjan alleged.
He alleged that around 30 applications for new connection are pending but no one is taking responsibility. Executive Engineer, Debadatta Bhoi said there are some software problems over the website which is likely to be resolved at the earliest. Apart from that, the households have been suffering as they receive the bills very late. A consumer, Sangram Kesari Saraf, alleged that he had paid two months’ arrear online but the next bill amount he received was four months instead of two months.“I complained against it but the officials asked for another seven days to look into the matter,” said Sangram warning that if his bill was not rectified, he would move the Consumer Court. Many households have complained that the staffs were taking the meter reading after two months so as to make bill on increased slabs.