The Hindu : New Delhi News : Relief for digital meter owners

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Jan 31, 2005

New Delhi

New Delhi

Relief for digital meter owners

By Our Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI, JAN. 30. To allay fears of faulty electricity meters among its consumers, private power distribution company -- BESE -- has now decided to give them the option of getting their meters tested for accuracy and reliability by Bangalore-based premier Government research organisation -- Central Power Research Institute (CPRI).

CPRI will also rigorously sample-check every new digital meter being procured and installed by the company. A Memorandum of Understanding to this effect has been signed between the BSES and the Government agency.

Under the new arrangement, any existing consumer can approach the company for a meter test by paying a nominal fee specified by the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC) -- Rs.50 for single phase and Rs.100 three-phase meter. Once a request is received, the company will carry out a thorough check of the consumer's meter at his premises.

However, if the power consumer is not entirely satisfied with the results of the meter test, he will be entitled to get a free re-test done by CPRI provided his request is forwarded by the councillor, MLA, MP or residents welfare association of his area, DERC or consumer grievance forum.

For re-test, consumers will also be required to submit their duly filled "CPRI testing forms" available at all 33 divisional offices. They can also get details about the scheme by dialling helpline number 39999733.

"The BSES-CPRI independent meter testing scheme will give consumers added faith in the digital meters, and set at rest any doubts about their veracity and accuracy," a BSES spokesperson said.

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