In continuation to prolong struggle and pursuation by Chandigarh Business Council, a meeting, as predetermined, was called by Shri SK Chadha, Chief Engineer alongwith Shri SK Madan, Member Consumer Grienvances Redressal Forum (CGRF), Mr. Dhamija XEN Electricity in his office to discuss in length and breadth few crucial issues of Electricity Supply which are reasoned to harassment to the Commercial Consumers in Chandigarh.
The meeting was attended by S/Shri Jagdish Arora, Kamaljit Singh Panchhi, Neeraj Bajaj, LC Arora, JPS Kalra and Arun Talwar, Senior Functionaries of Chandigarh Business Council (Regd). The members apprised the authorities during an hour discussion the following problems being faced by commercial consumers of the City:
- Extension of Load: We have submitted that the sanctioned load of consumers be considered on demand basis and not building basis as presently the City is being governed by two sets of law (60 and 100 KW). It was clarified that maximum sanctioned load is on individual end user and not the building and all aspirant consumers are entitled to their demand being necessity of life. THERE IS MANDATORY REQUIREMENT OF POLLUTION AND SSI CERTIFICATES, FOR INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES, BESIDES VARIOUS OTHER DEPARTMENTAL FORMALITIES WITHOUT WHICH NEW CONNECTIONS OR LOAD INCREASE IS NEITHER PROCESSED NOR GRANTED. This is great set back to industries which is contrary the Policy in form by JERC for 30 days mendatory release of new connections/extension of load and this is taken as deemed sanction. The members suggested that connections should not be with-held and provisional supplies be granted which has been agreed.
- PENALTY FOR SO-CALLED EXCESS LOAD: There is a provision of Declaration / Test Report to be submitted for the existing load. It has been experienced by our Trader Brothers that Department, after getting such information, raid business premises and threaten of heavy penality which is not genuine. The Officers appreciated such suggestions and promised the same will not happen in future.
- INCREASE IN TARRIFF W.E.F. 1.4.2013: The current proposal of the UT Electricity Department to enhance tariff to the extent of around 40% alongwith increase in Fixed Charges has been vehementally opposed by the CBC as it will put extra burden on consumers. We suggested that to overcome losses there is need to check Kundi Connections, Recovery of Old outstanding Arears and save Transmission Losses rather than any further increase.
The Chandigarh Business Council has decided to meet JERC at Delhi shortly to put forward our genuine grievances and future demands.