Complaint Details

Status	:	Closed
Complaint No	:	0014281/2014
Category	:	Government Services
Date	:	05-01-2014
Subject Line	:	Fed up chasing departments for faulty electricity meter issue
Complainant	:	Mr. Hararwala
Address	:	Colaba
Complainee	:	BEST Mumbai 'A' Ward
Address	:

Complaint Details
This is regarding my BEST electricity connection bearing consumer no. 292-343-003. I have approached them with regards to inspecting my meter since the reading seems faulty. They have failed to send an engineer and I am consistently getting high bills since last 2 years.

I had approached them in Oct 2012 highlighting the issue. I re-approached them in Aug 2013 again as my units consumed increased once again which was very unlikely as one of my air conditioner which I used consistently broke down and there was no other change in consumption pattern. So from using two air conditioners my household only had one air conditioner. Instead of my units reducing, I was shocked to see the units consumed jump by nearly 20%.

After years of pursuing the matter, finally they sent an engineer on 4th Oct 2013 after which my meter was confirmed as faulty by their engineer. They advised that the meter would be replaced and faulty meter would be sent for testing to their service depot and that I will receive a call in 2 weeks. After following up regularly, the meter was finally replaced on 26th Nov 2013. I received a letter from BEST stating the same and that I need to call up the service depot to fix an appointment for reviewing my meter. I called the service depot and have been advised that they will need to search if my meter is with them. The office staff also asked me to send the BEST letter through someone which I obliged to. Now I am still waiting for a call to see my faulty meter being tested and take this to the next step i.e. credit adjustment for incprrectly inflated bills due to faulty meter.

I had also written a letter to Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission who advised me to take this matter through BEST internal grievience cell or consumer forum. I obviously have no faith in a third grade service provider like BEST. They should be shut down or privatized! I am considering the option of sending a legal notice to BEST. The onus has never been on them becuase they have a monopoly when it comes to power distribution in this part of Mumbai. I have been at the receiving end of very high bills. If I left them unpaid, power would be cut off to my apartment.

I look forward to your assistance in this matter.

Thank you

Mr. Hararwala

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