Visakhapatnam: A number of consumers suspect that they may be paying more than the quantum of power they consumed due to the complicated tariff slabs.
Many other consumers allege that the meter readers do not calculate the consumption properly, or do not take the reading within the stipulated time, resulting in the units consumed falling into a higher slab bracket.
Taking note of these concerns, the AP Eastern Power Distribution Company Limited (APEPDCL) and Southern Power Distribution Company of Andhra Pradesh Limited (SPDCAPL) tried to allay all apprehensions and urged consumer not to believe in such rumours.
The power distribution companies said that persons appointed by them were responsibly reading the metering and issuing bills. According to the guidelines, meter readers have to take the reading every 30 days and issue the bills. However, the consumers say that the meter readers delay visiting their homes.
According to the power tariff, the till first 50 units are charged at `1.45 per unit, from 51 to 100 units the tariff is `2.60 per unit and from 101 to 200 units, the rate is `3.60. Consumption above 201 units means that the domestic consumer will have to pay `6.90 per unit. As the meter readers sometimes delay taking the reading, consumers say that their tariff slab jumps to higher bracket.
APEPDCL CGM G. Srinivasa Reddy clarified that the meter reading would be taken every 30 days. “Sometimes, there is a delay of one or two days. As per APERC Rule 5 of 2004, it should be obligatory of the licensee to read meter on the prescribed date. But, in unforeseen circumstances, the licensee may record the meter reading two days before or after of the prescribed date,” Mr Reddy said. He clarified that if indeed the reading crosses any of the slabs, the consumer will have to pay for only the number of units in the higher slab, not on the entire bill, the CGM clarified.
Explaining the concept, Mr Reddy said that if a consumer uses 53 units of power in a month, he will have to pay at the rate of `1.45 for the first 50 units and at the rate of `2.60 for the remaining three units and not at the rate of `2.60 for the entire 53 units.
After the bills are issued, if any consumer has any objection with the reading, he or she can lodge a complaint at Electricity Revenue Offices (ERO) or on toll-free Ph. No. 1912 and the issue will be reviewed in the co-ordination meetings held by the divisional engineers, the CGM said.
Meanwhile, the SPDCAPL appealed to the consumers not to entertain rumours of wrong or inflated bills.
SPDCAPL CMD H. Haranatha Rao informed that 97 per cent of the bills in the Discom are issued in 30 to 31 days.
If the IRDA Port Meters fail to function, the staff issue bill manually, he said.
