Independent labs to check Delhi consumers' power meters

The Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission will put out by August-end a list of independent testing labs where Delhiites will be able to get their power meters checked on suspicion of their instruments running fast, an official said.

"People will be able to get their electricity meters checked (on suspicion of) inflated bills from testing laboratories which have to be finalised by August," commission chairman P.D. Sudhakar told IANS.

The regulator has invited bids from independent companies for the testing task.

In the election year, allegedly inflated electricity bills have become a political issue as the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party and the Aam Adami Party have alleged gross irregularities in power sector and collusion between the Delhi government and private power distribution companies.

"We will finalise three-four independent laboratories for testing. If the meter is found faulty, the power distribution company will have to get it fixed," Sudhakar said.

However, he said the power consumer will have to pay a nominal fee if the tests prove that his meter was not faulty or running fast.

In the absence of any testing facility in the city, consumers have to send their meters to the Central Power Research Institute in Bangalore through the public grievance cell of the Delhi government.