DERC to appoint agency for testing of faulty meters

Under attack from BJP and Aam Aadmi Party over "inflated" power bills, Delhi's power regulator DERC has decided to appoint an "independent" agency within a month to carry out testing of electricity meters.
"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.

Sudhakar said in case a meter is found to be inaccurate, then the cost of carrying out the test will have to be borne by the power distribution company which installed it. But if the meter is found accurate then the consumer will have to pay the fee for testing the meter.
"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.

Both BJP and Aam Aadmi Party have been attacking the DERC alleging that most electricity meters in the city run fast.

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.