Bescom giving used meters for pro-tem connections at Rs 10K, say consumers

BENGALURU: Following the installation of digital electrostatic meters to check electricity pilferage, power consumers are now alleging malpractice by Bescom in installing pre-paid meters.

A power consumer, Praveen Kumar, alleged that the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (Bescom) is giving used meters instead of replacing faulty meters with new ones. The power utility is collecting more money from consumers and there is no warranty on the used meters, he said. Praveen has also demanded an investigation into the matter.

Praveen alleged that Bescom is looting consumers by installing used meters at under-construction buildings.

Praveen said, “A pre-paid meter was installed at my under-construction building at Gubbalala in Uttarahalli, which comes under Chikkakallasandhra. I was using a 7 kw meter from last year and had made a deposit of Rs 10,000. But the meter got burnt and there is no warranty for used meters. I then asked the Bescom officials to replace the faulty meter and they installed a used meter boards after I was made to pay a fresh deposit of Rs 10,000.”

Praveen said he used to pay Rs 8,700 for 28 days. Now, he has raised questions over Bescom charging consumers over and over again even for faulty meters.

Bescom managing director for consumer business, Nagaraj, said consumers should bring it to their notice if they have any complaints.

Bescom MD for consumer business, Nagaraj, said, “There are an estimated 58,699 pre-paid meters in the city. There is no replacement for damaged meters. There have been rare cases of faulty meters. Once the constuction of a building is completed, the power connection is disconnected. Bescom will bear the expense if there is a technical fault in the meter. A majority of the meters are damaged due to overloading. If there is any such technical fault in the digital meters, consumers can lodge complaints with us.”