Single software installation in all escoms initiated: KERC chairman

Hubballi: Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) chairperson P Ravikumar said the process of installing a single software system in all escoms in the state was initiated and will be implemented soon.He was chairing a public hearing on the Hescom annual performance report (APR) application for the financial year 2024-25 at Hescom, Hubballi, on Thursday.Farmer leaders, business people and consumers from seven districts under Hescom jurisdiction expressed dissatisfaction over performance and the negligence of officials at the meeting.Siddappa Betageri, a farmer from Kalaghatagi, complained that there was a rule that if an electrical transformer burnt out, it should be installed within 72 hours, but none of the officials followed this. damaged pump sets were not replaced even for a month, and officials were not responding.There was a power problem in the Gamanagatti industrial area in Hubballi, making it difficult to run a business, businessman Mallesh said. "Only if there is quality power supply, businesses can grow," said businessman Mallesh.Businessman Arvind Pai from Kumta expressed dissatisfaction, saying, "Consumers are not getting power supply on time. Even when the problem is raised with senior officials, no solution is being found."GG Hegde Kadekodi, from Sirsi, complained: "Hescom officials organise electricity consumer meetings in the Sirsi division. They say that electricity-related complaints and suggestions can be made. However, there are no officers at the meeting. There is a shortage of staff. If an officer is given 2-3 responsibilities, how can he manage?" he questioned.Hescom managing director Vaishali ML said that as per the APR, the approved expenditure for Hescom-related works in the financial year 2024-25 was Rs 11,335 crore. However, the expenditure was Rs 12,496 crore.