Despite outcry, 4.40 lakh consumers in Ngp circle pay power bills of Rs 143 cr
| Date :07-Jul-2020 |
Staff Reporter ;
Notwithstanding public outcry about supposed high power bills, consumers of Mahavitaran promptly paid Rs 143 crores till end of June signifying their faith in the billing system of the public distribution company. About 4.40 lakh people in Nagpur Circle of Mahavitaran, comprising Nagpur and Wardha districts, chose to pay the bill of entire three months that were distributed in month of June. Meanwhile recognising the difficulties of citizens, the company has further extended last date for payment of bill till July 8. During the period of lockdown for two months, Mahavitaran dispatched power bill on basis of average consumption that was on lower side. But once meter reading process was initiated the bills received in month of June showed considerable spike leading to confusion among citizens.
However after instructions from Dr Nitin Raut, Energy Minister, Mahavitaran rolled out comprehensive measures in bid to reach out to consumers and explain how the billing was done. To allay apprehension, camps were held at various places and citizens were explained how the units were distributed across three months and how credit if previous payment and consumption is adjusted. The full scale awareness programmes, appeals of Dr Raut through media helped people clear their misconceptions and many of them chose to pay entire bills in one go.
The release of Mahavitaran said within a fortnight from June 15 to 30 about 2.87 lakh consumers paid their bill. In the meantime after learning that consumers are confused and to stem the outcry, Mahavitaran held series of webinars explaining calculations, the distribution of consumption over a period of three months and giving clear cut pictures to consumers how benefit was passed on to them. One major doubt among people was that the company has deliberately chosen higher slabs and adjusted the consumed units in month of May, it may be mentioned new tariff was initiated from April 1, 2020, onwards, but when explained with rationale by filed officials the people understood and arrived at clear picture. As per the data, about 2,93,567 consumers from Nagpur City Divisions have paid their bills while 78,294 from rural areas paid the amount. At Wardha about 68,533 consumers have so far paid their power bills.
Dr Raut has further instructed Mahavitaran to adjust 2 per cent concession for prompt payment to consumers who chose to pay entire bill in one go instead of opting for three installments. The discount would reflect in next bill cycle. Similarly consumer making payment through digital medium to stand to benefit from 0.25 per cent discount for using on-line media. Going one step further, Mahavitaran has provided three installment to consumers for payment of their power bills so that they are not burdened.
For this the power company has also waived off penalty for not making full payment and consumers can make payment through on-line medium or at the bill payment counters. Mahavitaran is keen to avoid crowing at its sub-stations and appealed citizens to check consumption data, billing cycle on https://billcal.mahadiscom.in/consumerbill. After clicking on the bill one has to just enter consumers number and entire data is available for self checks, said Dilip Dodke, Chief Engineer (Officiating), Mahavitaran, Nagpur Circle.