Explain consumer complaints about inflated bills in 24 hours: MERC to Adani Electricity
In the last few weeks, several hundred Adani Electricity consumers have complained about higher tariff or consumption readings on social media (Screengrab of one of the bills uploaded on social media – identity of user withheld)
State electricity regulator MERC, after taking cognisance of the media reports highlighting consumers complaints about inflated bills and consumption, has slapped a notice to Adani Electricity seeking an explanation from the firm.
In its notice, the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) said that it has been observed that there have been media reports about consumer agitating against the unduly excessive electricity bills.
Further, there are complaints about issuance of electricity bills based on average energy consumption instead of actual metering.
My bill used to come around ₹500-600 in the time of reliance & now it’s ₹750-800 #AdaniElectricity #RelianceEnergy
— Aʟᴅʏ DeSᴏᴜᴢᴀ (@Aldrin10029) December 2, 2018
“The commission has taken serious note of these reports highlighting consumer grievances with respect to surge in their electricity bills which is not commensurate with the marginal hike in the tariff approved by the commission,” MERC executive director Rajendra Ambekar said in the letter to the company.
The commission has sought explanation from the company within 24 hours, detailing facts of the matter and the steps taken by it to remedy the situation.
Meanwhile, in a statement issued by Adani, its spokesperson said, “We have received the communication from Hon’ble MERC and shall be making our submissions as per the direction of the commission.”
In an order dated September 12, MERC had revised the tariff applicable in the area of Adani Electricity Mumbai (distribution business) with effect from September 1.
Average tariff increase approved in the order for FY19 is around 0.24 percent, the regulator said in its letter.
Adani Electricity, in a statement, had earlier justified higher bills for October and November saying that the city witnesses a change in climate during this period, resulting in a change in patterns of electricity consumption.
An undue perception has been created around Adani Electricity’s electricity billing. We would like to iterate that our rates are decided by MERC.
If our customers require clarifications related to this, please reach out. We would be happy to help.#PowerOfService pic.twitter.com/GwOK6NCLYw— Adani Electricity (@Adani_Elec_Mum) November 27, 2018
It had also said that its rates were as per the tariff determined by MERC.
Adani group took over Anil Ambani-led Reliance Infrastructure’s Mumbai energy business in a landmark Rs 18,800-crore deal in August.
