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Lok Ayukta directive to KSEB

Special Correspondent

`Electronic meters should meet norms'

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The State Lok Ayukta has directed the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) to install on the premises of consumers only electronic meters which meet prescribed standards and to give a written undertaking to the consumers in this regard.

The forum gave the direction on Thursday after hearing the KSEB as well as the Federation of Residents' Associations Thiruvananthapuram (FRAT), in cases connected with a complaint filed by an office-bearer of the federation, A. Gopakumar.

The Lok Ayukta, K. Sreedharan, and Upa Lok Ayukta, N. Krishnan Nair, noted that the Board had through an order in January last, fixed the standards for electronic meters to be purchased by a consumer for installation on his premises.

These were that the meter should have ISI marking; that it should be tested and sealed by the Electrical Inspectorate and a certificate obtained; and that the error factor should not exceed plus or minus one per cent. The Board should follow the same standards in respect of the meters fixed by its employees on the premises of consumers, the forum said. No meter which failed to comply with all the three specifications should be fixed, and the consumer should be informed about this in writing.

The petitioners had accused the Board of installing electronic meters which did not comply with the prescribed norms. The Board employees were trespassing into houses to install the meters when male members were absent, it was alleged.

Referring to an earlier direction, the forum said the Board should not disconnect the supply to any consumer provided he paid the lowest amount covered by any bill issued after the installation of the electronic meter. This was in view of complaints of erratic readings recorded by meters installed by the Board.

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