Summer helpline gets 201 calls

The 24x7 summer helpline started by Delhi government on Sunday to redress people's grievances of power failure and load shedding has received 201 calls.
The helpline got 160 complaints related to power supply followed by 18 complaints related to street lights, 10 connection related, 8 theft, 1 vigilance and 1 billing related and 1 in the others category.
Apart from that 113 complaints were related to BSES Rajdhani Power Limited, 72 related to BSES Yamuna Power Limited, 14 related to Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited and two others.
"In more than 60 per cent cases, the individual lodging the grievance was contacted back on phone to get feedback and ascertain that his complaint was resolved," said a Power department official.

The helpline was started as an alternative mechanism to redress the complaints of consumers if these are not resolved to their satisfaction by the distribution companies (DISCOMs).
The distribution companies have their existing dedicated numbers for registration of complaints.

"Government has been endeavouring to ensure efficient services and effective grievances resolution mechanism and this initiative will empower the citizens in getting relief during the summer months. Besides, this will also help the Government effectively monitor the performance of the Discoms," said Ankur Garg, Additional Secretary (Power).
Officials however, said that it has been noticed that many consumers are directly contacting the Government helpline.

"It is pertinent to mention that this initiative is an alternative back-up mechanism and for faster resolution, the people should first lodge direct complaint with the respective distribution company. If the grievances or complaints are not resolved only then they should approach the Power Department helpline, with the DISCOM complaint reference number," said the officials.