In proposed four-tier redress system, Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission to have final say
Pradeep Sharma
Chandigarh, January 28
The Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission (HERC) is set to have the final say in the proposed four-tier complaint redress system in the power sector.
The HERC will now either nominate or recommend the chairperson of the Corporate Consumer Redressal Forum, the apex consumer redress body in the state.
The four-tier redress system , including the Corporation Consumer Redressal Forum, is proposed to be put in place in the power department. The other three forums are the Divisional Consumer Grievances Redressal Forum, Circle Grievance Redressal Forum and Zonal Grievances Redressal Forum.
Focus on consumers
The redress system to comprise the Corporation Consumer Redressal Forum, Divisional Consumer Grievances Redressal Forum, Circle Grievance Redressal Forum and Zonal Grievances Redressal Forum.
These changes in the rules and regulation have come into effect with the enactment of the Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission (Forum and Ombudman) Regulations (3rd Amendment), 2024, for the redress of grievances of power consumers across the state.
If the distribution companies failed to submit a panel of three suitable officers to the HERC for appointment to the forums, the members will be selected through advertisements. The selection committee will be headed by the Director (Technical/Tariff), HERC.
As per an order of the HERC Secretary, eligible officers in service could also apply for the post of chairperson by giving an undertaking that they would resign from service after selection.
While the divisional, circle and zonal forums will be headed by the officers of appropriate seniority belonging to the distribution companies, a representative of power consumers will be nominated as a special invitee to each forum.
However, the corporate forum will be headed by a chairperson nominated/recommended by the HERC.
Meanwhile, the divisional forum can dispose of cases involving monetary disputes up to Rs 50,000.
The new rules also stated that the appointment of the Ombudsman shall be for a period of three years, subject to the age limit of 67.
