It has been over 15 years since the State established Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC), which, among other duties, promises to “safeguard consumers’ interests”. But, are consumers aware of the commission’s existence?
Over half of the consumers coming under the jurisdiction of the five electricity supply companies (Escoms) in the State were found to be oblivious to the existence of a commission that determines how much they pay for electricity. Expectedly, 95 per cent had never taken part in public hearings to determine electricity tariff.
These were the findings of a recent study conducted by the Karnataka Electricity Governance Network (KEGN). It found that a larger number of respondents are not aware of the Consumer Grievance Redressal Forum (CGRF) though the number of such forums has gone up from five to 30.
‘Simple mechanism’Ombudsman B.R. Jayaramaraje Urs, however, said the grievance redressal mechanism for electricity consumers was a fairly simple one, which had been adequately publicised.
“We now have a CGRF in each of the 30 revenue districts. If the applicant is unhappy with the CGRF’s verdict, he/she approaches me,” he said, and added that consumers need not engage an advocate or pay court fees, and justice is assured within 60 days.
