The electricity bill settlement scheme launched by the Delhi Government last year has been extended for the third time by another two months. In another relief for power consumers of Delhi, Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission(DERC) has amended the DERC Supply Code and Performance Standards Regulations on the directions of the Delhi Government.
“A large number of public grievances were received against arbitrary, suo-moto enhancement of sanctioned load by discoms in Delhi. Therefore, the Delhi Government had issued policy direction to DERC for amendment of the provisions pertaining to revision of sanctioned load based upon maximum demand readings for domestic consumers in public interest,” said the Delhi Government.
After the amendments, to revise the sanctioned power load, the discoms will have to take the highest of average of maximum demand readings recorded as per billing cycle covering any four consecutive calendar months in the previous financial year. Earlier, DISCOMS used to take any three highest maximum demand readings in a year.
“Also, for domestic consumers having sanctioned load up to 5kW in the last billing cycle of previous financial year, if the computed load is less than the sanctioned load, the load shall be reduced automatically. In cases of load reduction, the licensee shall refund the pro-rata security deposit,” the new rules read.
The Government extended ‘Bijli Bill Vivad Samadhan Scheme’ for another two months, thereby giving much relief to the eligible consumers who still haven’t settled their pending electricity bills. The scheme was first launched for a period of one month on August 30. The scheme provided opportunity to settle electricity disputes related to power theft, meter tampering, misuse or unauthorised use of electricity, disconnections and electricity bill disputes in JJ clusters.
The scheme was first extended till October 31. After expiry, it was again extended till December 31. At that time, the scheme was also extended to cover residential colonies of 1984 riot victims.
“Distribution companies have informed that about 68,000 cases have been settled under this scheme so far. The public in general including many MlAs have requested the Delhi Government that the consumer may be allowed some more time to avail the benefits of the scheme,” Delhi Government said in a statement.