TANGEDCO told to pay Rs 14,000 as compensation to a customer

The complainant, Suthanthira, from Radhapuram in Tirunelveli, had obtained temporary connection from the Radhapuram Assistant Engineer (AE) of TANGEDCO in 2013 for construction purpose. Later, when she approached the AE to further extend the temporary connection, the official demanded Rs 30,395 to do so. 

When she questioned the AE on the exorbitant amount, the official informed her that she had used over and above the quota and had to pay the extra amount to continue with the connection. When she asked the basis for the calculation of the fine for the overuse, the AE refused to give a proper reply and warned her of disconnection, if she failed to pay the amount. Hard pressed for the connection, she paid Rs 30,395.

When she approached the AE once again for an explanation, he directed her to the Executive Engineer (EE) at Vallioor. The EE informed her that she had used 3 KW in excess instead of the allowed 1 KW. 

However, she contested that according to the rules of commercial connection, reading should be taken once in 15 days and the amount for excess usage should be collected immediately. If that was done, she would have paid the amount promptly.

As they failed to take the readings on time, she was forced to pay a huge sum as fine. 

Following it, she filed a complaint at a Consumer Court demanding compensation for the mental agony caused by deficiency in service by the TANGEDCO.

Killivalavan, president of District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum, who heard the case, in his verdict had said that mistake is on the part of TANGEDCO and hence, they should return the amount collected from the complainant. 

Apart from that the TANGEDCO has been ordered to pay Rs 14,000 within a month, along with the sum of Rs 30,395, as compensation for deficiency in service and the mental agony caused thereby to the complainant.