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Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission(DERC) has asked explanation of private distribution company BSES why many power consumers of Delhi are receiving inflated bills. The BSES is a Reliance Energy group company distributing power in the capital. Media had several times reported that many people had complained of overbilling by private discoms. The bills indicate increased power consumption in June and July — when many residents faced power cuts of eight to ten hours a day.

The DERC has the power to initiate an inquiry and, upon finding sufficient reasons, penalise the discoms by seeking a refund. “We’ll ask for factual reports from the discoms regarding the reportedly inflated bills,” DERC secretary Amarendra Tewary said.

After the lapse of a 10 per cent subsidy on tariffs on May 31, power bills were expected to go up — but not by so much, say residents.


“My bill for August is Rs 20,292,” said Dr Sarita Kumar, an associate professor at Delhi University. “Usually, it ranges from Rs 2,500 to Rs 8,000.”

The BSES said it was willing to look into individual cases of inflated bills. “Why should we overcharge when discoms only get a fixed return on equity?” said BSES CEO Arun Kanchan. There have not been any complaints about NDPL, the other discom in Delhi.

Source - Hindustan Times