Jamshedpur’s CGSJ challenges proposed electricity price hike, advocates for consumer rights, transparency in rate setting.
Jamshedpur – The recent proposed increase in electricity tariff by licensed Discoms has been met with strong resistance by the Consumer Guidance Society of Jamshedpur (CGSJ).
Under the directorship of Himadri Sarkar, a meeting was convened on July 13 to deliberate this matter.
The participants, adhering to the advice of CGSJ founder Prof. Bejon Kumar Misra, unanimously passed a resolution.
They decided to bring out a white paper that exposes inefficiencies in the current distribution process.
These inefficiencies, coupled with wasteful expenses incurred by the Discoms, they argue, account for over a quarter of the current tariff.
The experts drafting this paper will preferably be retired JSERC officials.
Additionally, they called for a comprehensive audit of the Discoms’ financial situation.
Sharp criticism was aimed at the Jharkhand State Electricity Regulatory Commission (JSERC) for scheduling public hearings without due notice to the power consumers.
Sarkar pointed out that such actions could lead to unjust increases in power tariff, as they bypass the legal necessity to incorporate consumers’ perspectives.
To counteract this, it was decided to involve an industry expert in subsequent discussions.
The meeting also stressed on making an early representation to the regulator, aiming for a more equitable procedure in deciding electricity tariffs.
This would ensure that consumers’ opinions are adequately considered.
There was a collective call for a significant consumer demand to lower the existing electricity tariff by at least 25%, a trend observed in many other Indian states.
