ENFORCING CONSUMER CHOICE … the switchover of electric energy suppliers

Suburban Mumbai had in June 09, been subjected to unprecedented increase in electricity rates due to MERC passing favorable orders on some of the proposals made by Reliance Energy (REL). The situation was such that most Consumers would end up paying almost double their older bills. The reality is that the rates offered by REL and TPL, were vastly different for same product and service in the same area without the Consumer having right to choose between them. The Govt. has been a silent spectator to this injustice. The issue was taken up by JNM and its associate Citizen Groups, in a wide publicity campaign, though the print and TV media and also with the senior officers of REL, MERC and even with Tata Power Ltd (TPL).

The pressure of public opinion and the persistent-accurate-consistent presentations by JNM Volunteers was one of the causes which led the State of Maharashtra to request the MERC to reconsider the increase. This caused a temporary roll back in the increase by virtue of MERC passing a limited stay on the increase by REL.

Not being satisfied with this temporary relief, JNM Volunteers then decided on enforcing choice by the Consumer in choosing the electricity supplier. This is as per our Constitution and the Supreme Court Orders. After numerous meetings with TPL and also with REL, all the concerned parties have accepted this stand of JNM and are now ready for the Consumer to exercise her-his choice.

The fact of the matter is that, JNM has received hundreds of phone calls about the reliability of the electric meters, the random bill values in the recent past and also the uncertainty of rates in the near future. The July 09 JNM-Newsletter went into repeat prints and 21,000 copies were privately circulated in Andheri West and neighboring areas. This had a TPL application cut-out whereby JNM received thousands of applications from Consumers and the housing complexes desiring switchover to TPL. The JNM website: www.jagrutnagrik.com got thousands of hits wherein Consumers registered their names for switchover.

After a lot of persuasion by JNM Volunteers in a democratic and law abiding manner, the Consumers now have the right to choose. This is a big step in improving governance and the Corporates are now cooperating. JNM now has written commitment from TPL to commence switchover for the Consumer, including installation of new meters, with the existing infrastructure of REL. The actual work is now scheduled to begin this week. The TPL staff will visit the housing complexes in Andheri West (later in other areas as well), as per the list given by JNM, and establish a help desk to enable Consumers to complete the paperwork. The current rates including the ‘wheeling charge’ (which is Rs.0.88 per unit to be paid by the Consumer to TPL who in turn will pay REL for use of the latter’s infrastructure as per the Supreme Court and MERC orders), will still enable the Consumer to save substantial amount in their monthly billing. Also, the new Class 0.5 meters will leave no room for doubts of their accuracy.

Those housing societies who have not yet filed their requests with JNM, are requested to do so at their earliest so that their Members enjoy lower bills in the immediate future. They need to submit letters to JNM with the names and mobile codes of their Members who wish to switchover, to enable JNM to lobby with TPL for early process.

Praful Vora, Volunteer JNM. 31^st August 2009.

Email: jnm.movement@gmail.com