Include consumer-friendly aspects in power draft rules: MSME forum

COIMBATORE: Representatives of micro and small industrial units in Coimbatore district have written to the undersecretary of the Union ministry of

power

, seeking to include more consumer friendly aspects in the Draft Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules 2020. They sought that aspects such as new connections, billing, metering, and grievance redressal be made more transparent and consumer-friendly.

Representatives of the Federation of Coimbatore Industrial Associations (Focia) have recently written to the Centre pressing for these demands.

In its letter, the federation said despite the government's efforts to increase transparency, many micro and small entrepreneurs feel irregularities exist in sanctioning new connections or additional load.

“Also most of the time small industries are burdened to bear transportation cost and to some extent installation cost of transformer and electrical posts. We urge that the

draft rules

should contain stringent provisions to wipe out corruption in sanctioning new connections or additional load and to eliminate whatever unofficial expenses caused to micro and small industries,” the letter said.

It also said while industrial consumers were being penalised for shortcomings, the same onus was not put on officials.

S Surulivel, a Focia representative, told TOI that industries are required to maintain a power factor of 0.9, and if not, they are being penalised. “But if we are not given quality power, and if we experience issues such as low voltage conditions, surge in voltage, and drop in frequency. But the department doesn’t take responsibility for this,” he said.

The representation said the draft bill should define ‘quality power’ and electricity boards should be advised to adhere to the definition. Meanwhile, electricity boards should impart training and educate consumers to achieve the required power factor and avoid penalty, it sought.

Focia’s communication said now for any defect or damage in installed meters, the cause is invariably attributed to consumers. “Neutral testing centres may be assigned this task and provisions shall be made to approve and employ such neutral agencies.”

It said provisions should be made in the draft rules to implement concessional tariff for consumption at late night hours, like that in Gujarat. It also sought that the time frame to resolve grievances should be brought down to 7-10 days from the 30-45 days mentioned in the draft rules.