Have doubts about EB meter reading? Now, test it at third-party labs
CHENNAI: Soon, electricity consumers will be empowered to challenge Tangedco and test the meters at a third-party lab if they find the meter readings not in sync with power consumption, stoppage of the meter, seal damage, burning, or meter damage.
At present, if any consumer lodges a complaint, Tangedco tests the meters; but the result of the test would be binding on the consumer, who would not have any option to challenge. Now, however, the consumer will have the option to get it tested at a third-party lab enlisted by the Tamil Nadu Electricity Regulatory Commission.
According to Section 5 (11) of the Electricity (Rights of Consumer) Rules,
2020, if a consumer disputes the results of meter testing or the functioning of the equipment, it should be tested at a third-party testing facility that the consumer can select from the list approved by the commission. It also mandates the publication of such labs on the distribution licensee website approved by the commission. As per this, the commission has now invited applications from third-party, NABL-approved energy meter testing laboratories.
“If it is successfully established that the results of the third-party lab test are contrary to the results of the test performed by the distribution licensee, then the cost of undertaking such test shall be borne by the distribution licensee. However, in case it is established that the results of this test are the same as the results of the test performed by the distribution licensee, then the cost of undertaking such a test shall be borne by the consumer. The meter test results and the meter data shall be issued to the consumer after a such test has been completed and the said results are final and binding on both the consumer and the distribution licensee,” it said.
The rules also mandate that if the meter is prima facie found to be defective or burnt or stolen not due to causes attributable to the consumer, the licensee should restore supply through a new meter at its own cost. On subsequent investigation, if it is found that the issue is due to any cause attributable to the consumer, the necessary charges should be recovered from the consumer.
Even while welcoming the move, K Kathirmathiyon, secretary, Coimbatore Consumer Cause, said though the Union Ministry of Power had notified the Rules in 2020, the TNERC invited applications for enlisting the laboratories only now.
If a consumer disputes the results of meter testing, it should be tested at a third-party testing facility that the consumer can select from the list approved by the commission