"We feel consumers should have a choice to get their meters tested by an independent agency. The whole process to appoint the agency will be completed within one month," Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC) chairman P D Sudhakar said.
He said the Commission has already invited bid from private and government entities having accreditation from National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) which functions under Department of Science and Technology of Government of India.
"In case a meter is found to be fast running, then the concerned power distribution company will have to adjust the past bills accordingly," the DERC chairman said.
At present, consumers have to approach the private power distribution companies for testing of their meters. Consumers also have the option of preferring testing of meters at Central Power Research Institute (CPRI) in Bangalore through the Public Grievance Cell of Delhi government.
Sudhakar said DERC has already set aside Rs 50 lakh for facilitating third party testing of meters.
The Commission has also set aside Rs 20 lakh for the Electricity Consumer Advocacy Centre which will have a panel of lawyers who will assist consumers to take up their grievances with Consumer Grievance Redressal Forum and courts in Delhi.
BJP and AAP have been criticising DERC and the Delhi government on various issues relating to power.
The Delhi government on Friday appointed a three-member committee to review status of reforms in the power sector and suggest measures to improve its performance.