Inflated bills are common in summer when your air conditioner runs longer, but what about a hefty bill without high consumption appliances or in winter when barely a fan is on? Is it your usage, or a faulty system? If you’re tired of unresponsive customer service, use your consumer power to fight unexpectedly high electricity bills!
Let’s start with knowing how to file Online consumer complaint in consumer court in India, when facing injustice from the electricity board:
Table of Contents
1. What Should You Do If Your Electricity Bill is So High ? (Filing a Consumer Complaint )
It is one of the most common online complaints in India. If you’re confident about your energy consumption and want to make a complaint, call the helpline number of your local electricity service provider or file a complaint on their website. Also the Government of India has designated the number 1912 for electricity call centres. These centres handle customer complaints and various issues. When you call, the centre registers your complaint and forwards it to the field personnel responsible for resolution.
For online complaints in India, most electricity providers offer a “complaint and request” section on their websites where you can complete a form explaining why you believe your bill is unfair.Typically, the form includes options like:
– Customer ID
– Reference No.
– Name
– Address
– Phone
– Complaint Type
– Message Body
Alternatively, you can visit the nearest electricity office to file a complaint offline. Bring copies of your identity proof, previous bills, and a handwritten application addressing the Chairperson or CVO, detailing your issue.
2. How To Check If There is Any Issue with Your Meter Box ?
Domestic electricity meters typically record electricity consumption in Kilowatt Hours (KWH). One Kilowatt Hour, or one unit of electricity, represents the electricity consumption of a 1000-watt device over one hour. To test your meter, turn off all electronic devices in your home except one or more devices with a combined capacity of 1000 watts. Before starting, note the total KWH count on your meter. After one hour, check the KWH count again.
If your meter is accurate, it should record exactly one additional KWH. A higher KWH reading indicates a fast meter, while a lower reading indicates a slow meter. Both fast and slow meters are considered defective.
You can file a complaint through the “Complaints and Requests” section on the electricity board’s website and or call to the helpline numbers given in your service provider’s website to request a professional inspection if you have doubts about meter readings.
But before making an online consumer complaint in consumer court in India, check the following:
- System-Generated Faults: Sometimes, errors get adjusted in the next bill due to estimated meter readings. When the actual reading is taken, overpaid amounts from the previous month will reduce your current bill.
- Unnoticed Causes: Increased electricity usage could be due to new appliances, changes in usage patterns, or faulty devices drawing more power than usual. Ensure all electrical appliances are turned off when not in use.
- Billing Errors: Look for incorrect charges or uncredited payments on your bill.Check if the billing cycle has also interrupted.
- Previous Unpaid Balances: Check for outstanding balances from previous months or issues with payment gateways if you’re paying online.
3. Can We File An Online Consumer Complaint in India , Against The Electricity Board?
Electricity is covered under the Consumer Protection Act (CPA), giving you the right to file an online complaint against the Electricity Board. Under the 2003 Electricity Act, consumers now have greater power to hold electricity service providers accountable and ensure fair treatment. This act established a multi-tiered grievance redressal mechanism for addressing various issues :
- Internal Complaint Mechanism: Consumers can lodge complaints with the concerned electricity distribution company in the first instance.
- State Electricity Regulatory Commission (SERC): If the internal complaint mechanism fails to provide a satisfactory resolution, consumers can approach the SERC for intervention.
- Consumer Courts: For unresolved disputes related to billing or service quality, consumers can seek legal recourse through consumer courts.
4. How To File an Online Consumer Complaint in Consumer Court in India Against Electricity Board ?
The final step is to file a complaint in the consumer forum.
First, check the location where the service was provided and determine the appropriate forum based on the area. If the service cost is up to Rs 20 lakhs, approach the District Consumer Forum. If it is between Rs 20 lakhs and Rs 1 crore, go to the State Consumer Forum. For amounts exceeding Rs 1 crore, file your complaint with the National Consumer Forum.
- Registration : Open your web browser and go to the official Consumer Helpline website: https://consumerhelpline.gov.in/ and register or log in to your account to file an online consumer complaint in consumer court in India. Next, navigate to the “File Complaint” section and complete the complaint form.
- Complainant Details: Enter your personal information, including name, address, and identity details.
- Respondent Details: Provide the name and relevant details of the electricity service provider.
- Complaint Details: Describe the issue of inflated billing and your efforts to resolve it.
- Value of Claim: Indicate the total amount of the bill and any additional compensation for inconvenience.
- Relief Sought: Specify what resolution you are seeking, such as adjustment of the extra charges or other forms of compensation.
- Attachments: Upload copies of your previous 2-3 months’ bills, the current bill, and any documents showing your attempts to resolve the issue.
Submit the form and track the progress of your complaint.
5. How Can You Tell If Someone is Stealing Electricity from Your Meter?
Electricity theft is a common issue in India and could be a reason for unexpectedly high electricity bills. Loose or exposed wires directing to the outside can be a sign of theft. Here’s a simple method to check for potential electricity theft:
1. Note down the current meter reading.
2. Turn off the main switch.
3. Observe if the meter reading changes over time. For a thorough check, leave the switch off for an entire day while you’re away.
4. If the reading remains unchanged, your system is likely fine. If the reading increases, it may indicate theft, a fault, or a leak. Have a professional inspect it promptly.
6. What Can You Do In Case Of Electricity Hooking ?
Electricity theft, commonly known as “hooking,” is a serious offence under Section 135 of the Electricity Act 2003. Penalties include:
– Imprisonment: Ranges from a minimum of 6 months to a maximum of 5 years, depending on the amount of stolen electricity and the number of repeat offences.
– Fine: At least 6 times the financial gain from the theft.
If you suspect electricity theft, promptly report it to your electricity service provider through their website or helpline numbers and if the service provider doesn’t help file online consumer complaint in consumer court in India.
7. Kanoon 360 : The Expert’s Way of Ensuring Consumer Rights For You
Government redressal systems can take at least 3 months to resolve, but can you afford to wait that long with a hefty electricity bill? If not, Kanoon 360 has the solution. We prioritise quick resolutions and your claim will cover all litigation expenses, seeking them as part of the relief in your legal case.
Free consumer forum that has been used to file online consumer complaints in India often overlook smaller claims, but we provide empathetic solutions and efficient service.Here, we can give your complaint a legal justice with the help of a dedicated lawyer.
If you need a swift and effective resolution, connect with us. We’ll ensure a hassle-free experience by fighting on your behalf!
The Power of Consumer Court
People often don’t match their power usage to their bill or check why the consumption is so high until they face a massive amount to pay! Recently, the district consumer disputes redressal court imposed a hefty penalty of 2 lakh on a private electricity board for cutting off a house’s electricity connection despite timely bill payments. Uday Kumar, frustrated, filed a case just to restore his connection. However, the court awarded a substantial penalty for mental harassment and litigation, far beyond his expectations. So, never lose hope and never ignore injustice, even if it causes minor inconvenience.
Also Read: Dealing with Defective Products: Your Rights and Remedies in India
Kanoon 360 has 88% success rate. Let go of your fears and let us support you in your toughest times. Contact us today!