Approaching CGRF is the way out for electricity consumers facing problems

HYDERABAD: Electricity consumers are facing several service related problems. Due to lack of information over activities of consumers grievances redressal forum (CGRF) for power utilities has resulted in a long delay getting problems resolved.

The common problems that electricity consumers face pertain to normal fuse,
overhead lines/cable breakdown, distribution transformer failures, interruption in power supply, voltage fluctuations, complaints about meters, transfer of ownership, change of category and conversion of services, wrong meter reading and excess bill amounts.

Consumers approach customer service centres and officials seeking solution to their complaints but allegedly in vain.

Sathaiah, a farmer from Yellareddypet in Rajanna Sircilla district, said that they have to bribe the electricity staff to restore power supply.

"Electricity is an emergency service and we are not able to lodge graft complaints against the field staff with their higher officials," he said.

To handle such issues, four CGRFs, two each under the northern and southern
power distribution companies, have been set up.

Retired officials have been appointed as chairpersons of CGRF. Regular staff
of discoms has been posted as members to address finance and technical
issues. In a way, CGRFs have become rehabilitation centres for retired officials of power utilities.

CGRF-1, which covers 11 districts, received 707 complaints in 2022-23 and
aid it ahd resolved 510. It levied '64,400 compensation in three cases, which the discom has not implemented.

When approached, CGRF chairman of Nizamabad Eshwaraiah refused to give
details of the redressal. CGRF-I Hyderabad chairman Dileep Kumar said that they are trying to resolve the complaints at the earliest.

TS Electricity Regulatory Commission (TSERC) chairman T. Sriranga Rao told
Deccan Chronicle that they are trying to spread awareness about the CGRF.
There are different layers in the grievance redressal system in discoms. The
consumers can utilize them, accordingly, he said.