Discoms liable to pay up to Rs 1 lakh relief for outage

NEW DELHI: Distribution companies (discoms) will be liable to pay compensation of up to Rs 1 lakh for resorting to wanton blackouts and will have to deliver other services such as installing a new connection, replacing or shifting a meter and changing the load within stringent timelines under first-ever service rules and consumer rights for the power sector announced by the Centre on Monday.
This is the first time that the power supply has been recognised as a service industry and standards have been laid to ensure consumers, so far taken for granted by state government monopolies, get value for their money. Singh said uniform service standard will ensure consumers get their money’s worth, irrespective of whether they are served by private or state government entities.
“These rules emanate from the conviction that the power systems exist to serve the consumers and the consumers have rights to get the services and reliable, quality electricity… Power is a concrrent subject and under the (Electricity) Act the Centre has the authority to frame laws and rules… These rules are not optional (for states) and violations would result in penalties,” power minister R K Singh said after announcing the norms.