Rs5k compensation to ryot from MSEDCL

Nagpur: A Gondia-based farmer won battle against disconnection of his power supply by Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Corporation Limited (MSEDCL) for not paying dues. The city-based electricity ombudsman, Justice Kishor Rohee, ruled that MSEDCL’s move was illegal and awarded Rs5,000 compensation to the farmer to be paid by the power utility. The judge enhanced compensation amount by modifying order of Sadar-based Consumer Grievance Redressal Forum (CGRF).
According to complainant Jagdish Krishnarao Ghatole, he had a domestic connection at a village in Ratnara in Gondia district. Ghatole stated that he doesn’t visit the place regularly as he resides in Gondia with his family.
On March 14, 2014, the MSEDCL officials allegedly disconnected the electricity supply of his village home without giving him any prior notice after he failed to pay bill of Rs260. They also removed the electric meter in his absence.
The applicant, however, complained that he didn’t receive any bills from October 2013 to February 2014. Afterwards, he deposited Rs260 on April 1, 2014, and Rs150 on August 14, 2014, towards reconnection. He also deposited Rs200 on August 16, 2014, towards minimum bill from March to July 2014. The power supply was then restored on August 31 the same year.
Ghatole then lodged a complaint with the subdivisional engineer (rural), MSEDCL, Hiwara. However, when no order was passed, he filed grievance before consumer forum on July 20, 2015, claiming compensation of Rs1.94 lakh for abrupt disconnection of power supply from March 14 to August 31.
The consumer forum upheld his contentions by confirming MSEDCL’s action of disconnecting his power supply as “illegal” on September 3 last year. It directed MSEDCL to pay Rs1,000 to him. Dissatisfied with the meagre amount, he filed a representation with the electricity ombudsman claiming compensation of Rs1.94 lakh.
Hailing the ruling, RTI activist Avinash Prabhune called on electricity consumers to use the provisions of (Standard of Performance) Regulations, 2014, for seeking justice in any matter against electricity companies. There is every possibility that MSEDCL officials may show extra efficiency or high-handedness for collection of dues due to year ending, he said.