KERC to incorporate feedback from public in draft notification, says chairman

“Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) is holding public hearings across the State to receive and incorporate public feedback into the regulations governing electricity supply. The proposed regulations aim to standardise procedures to benefit consumers, contractors and other stakeholders. There is absolutely no intention to adversely affect the interests of consumers or any other stakeholders,” P. Ravi Kumar, Chairman, KERC, said in Belagavi on Wednesday.

He was speaking at a public hearing held at the Zilla Panchayat office, attended by officials, consumers, farmers, industrialists, contractors and others.

“KERC formulates regulations keeping the interests of consumers and electrical contractors in mind, and the Commission has no intention of causing them inconvenience. A report will be prepared taking into account the grievances and suggestions received during the meeting. Apart from such sessions, we also invite suggestions from the public on electricity supply and related issues,” he said.

The draft regulations seek to govern matters related to electricity supply for various categories of consumers. They cover procedures for sanctioning new connections, disconnection, reconnection, assessment and modification of sanctioned load, change of name, change of tariff category, regularisation of unauthorised usage and modifications to existing service connections. The regulations also seek to standardise procedures relating to consumer metering, billing and payment of electricity charges. They specify the fee structure, security deposits and other amounts that may be collected from consumers in accordance with the law, he said.

Several electrical contractors, members of the public and farmers highlighted the difficulties faced by rural consumers in using the online registration and payment systems of power supply companies. They urged the authorities to simplify the procedures and create greater awareness. Participants suggested that digital certification and various online processes should be made more consumer-friendly and that offline options should be retained wherever necessary.

Some farmers complained that they were unable to access online services because of technical glitches, server issues and erratic power supply.

Some contractors expressed concern that certain proposals in the draft regulations could adversely affect them and the families dependent on them. “We have been providing services for various departmental tasks for several years, but continue to face problems such as delays in processing files,” they said. They added that any proposal to alter or increase contractors’ responsibilities could create operational difficulties.

Some power consumers urged KERC to ensure that clear regulations are framed so that the burden of repair and maintenance of departmental equipment, including transformers, is not passed on to consumers. Members of the public also sought prompt redress of complaints related to electricity services by Section Officers and Assistant Executive Engineers (AEEs).

Some consumers expressed concern over reports of possible privatisation of the power sector. They said that before any such decision is taken, issues relating to the quality of electricity supply and service, consumer rights and the interests of employees and contractors should be considered.

Some employees sought regulations to ensure adequate protection and compensation for affected workers and their families in the event of accidents or casualties.

Commission members H.K. Jagadish and Javed Akhtar, Hescom and KPTCL officials, and others were present.