Meters block Bescom plan for ToD tariff

Industrial consumers contest escoms order to install meter priced at Rs 90,000

The efforts of the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (Bescom) to reduce the peak load pressure on the power distribution network by introducing Time of the Day (ToD) tariff in the City to hundreds of high tension (HT) consumers has hit a roadblock.

The company’s order to industrial consumers to bear the cost of installing a specific usage measuring meter costing Rs 90,000 each is being contested by the latter.

The ToD tariff involves recording energy consumed at peak hours by the user. According to the Bescom order, energy consumed between 18:00 hours to 22:00 hours by an industrial or commercial unit will attract an extra charge of one rupee per unit.
 
As per the orders of the Karnataka Electricity regulatory Commission in April 30, 2012, the Bescom should have introduced ToD tariff on September 1.

However, the order now remains on paper as the Bescom is yet to resolve the new problem, which has cropped up due to its own order dated July 19, 2012 directing the consumers to procure meters on their own.

The order says that as per the directions of the KERC, the ToD will be levied on the industries and commercial units consuming over 500 KVA and has levied several conditions which includes replacement of existing meters which are unable to record the energy consumed at peak hours.

Accordingly, the order directs the consumers to comply with the KERC directions within 30 days, stating that meter setting for ToD will be done in the presence of Bescom authorities.

Existing meters that are not capable of recording ToD usage will be replaced by new meters with certain specification given to the consumers. The Bescom has directed consumers to procure meters from the vendors approved by it.

Burden on consumers

The order states that within 15 days of purchasing the new meters, consumers should contact the Bescom authorities for calibration and rating.

“This is totally unfair. We are not in a position to buy meters. Why should we do it? Industries in the State are in dire straits and this is rubbing salt into wounds,” says an industrialist on condition of anonymity.

Another industrialist said the Bescom can replace the meters at its own cost and should not pass the burden on to consumers.

“Meters installed for HT connection now have time features and can record energy at even 15 minutes interval. Why buy new ones at a cost of Rs 90,000,” the industrialist asked.

M G Prabhakar, an expert on power, states that the direction of Bescom is in violation of Electricity Act.

“The Electricity Act, 2003 provides for meter security. Central Electricity Appellate regulations also confirm the position that the meter should be owned by the supplier of electricity,” he says.

According to Sridhar Prabhu, a City-based advocate Section 65 of Electricity Act, 2003 lays down that the supply company is responsible for installing meters.

“The Bescom cannot unilaterally impose conditions on consumers unless it gets approval of the KERC,” Sridhar Prabhu said.