Crackdown on consumer-assessor nexus: Tangedco to check homes using 500 units

Chennai

The All domestic consumers get first 100 units free, while those consuming less than 500 units would get additional subsidy as well. Due to different slab-based tariffs, a consumer using 500 units would pay Rs 1,130 but if the consumption touched 501 units the charges would be Rs 1,786.

The utility’s direction comes amid consumer complaints of the assessors failing to come on due dates to assess bi-monthly power consumption leading to inflated bills. Also, there are allegations of consumer-assessor nexus to enter lesser value than the actual meter reading leading to revenue loss.

Hence, Tangedco’s Chief Financial Controller (Revenue) has instructed officials to inspect domestic service connection which has recorded consumption between 480 to 500 units. The officials would note down the current meter reading and calculate average per day consumption to find out any deviation in the assessment.

The order said that if there was any deviation, the executive engineer of the circle would decide on downloading data from the meter. “If reading as per CMRI data on the date of assessment does not commensurate with uploaded last assessed reading then the case may be reported to the division executive engineer for taking appropriate action against erring officials,” it said, adding, consumers would be asked to pay the shortfall.

A senior Tangedco official said the decision was taken following a sharp fall in revenue from domestic consumers. “We would know whether the fall in the consumption was real or the meter reading was fudged through the inspection,” the official added.