Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission has nominated Maj.Gen.(Rtd.) S.G. Vombatkere of Mysore Grahakara Parishat to the Chamundeshwari Electric Supply Corporation Consumer Grievances Redressal Forum (CGRF). He will serve on the Forum for a period of three years.
WHAT IS CGRF?
CGRF is a forum set up for speedy resolution of consumer problems related to electricity supply. It is quite similar to the consumer fora set up under the Consumer Protection Act, but CGRF is limited to deficiency in service by Chamundeshwari Electric Supply Corporation only. It has three members, two (in general) from CESC and the third from a recognized consumer organization. Billing problems, defective meters, delays in providing service, voltage fluctuations, etc, all come within the purview of the CGRF. Only cases in which the consumer is charged with stealing power or tampering with the meter and cases in which there is injury or loss of life due to an electric accident are not covered by CGRF.
If a consumer has any problems with deficiency of service in supply of electricity, he has to first approach CESC to get the problem resolved. If he does not succeed, he can complain to the CGRF. There is no fee for filing a complaint with the CGRF and one does not need to hire an advocate. The consumer or a person authorized by the consumer can argue the case before the forum. CGRF is required to settle all consumer disputes within 60 days. Its orders are binding on CESC.
CESC is supposed to provide all the details about CGRF on its website, but it has not done so yet.
Sreemathi Hariprasad, President, Mysore Grahakara Parishat