Andhra Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission holds sessions with officials, staff of licensees

Visakhapatnam: After a long gap, the Andhra Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (APREC) began interacting with the officials and employees of distribution licensees in the last one month to sensitise on the vital aspects of regulatory compliance and prudence, informed Commission Chairman Justice G Bhavani Prasad.

Justice Prasad who conducted an interactive session with the officials and employees of APEPDCL here on Tuesday, told reporters that these type of interactive sessions with the field staff would increase accountability and transparency.

He said that consumers also feel that the APEPDCL was their own organisation as the apex statutory body for regulating the power sector putting in all efforts to protect the rights of consumers by balancing the interests of the DISCOMs too. The Commission, he said would encourage the power utilities in adapting the best practices like reduction of losses, adapting of IT enabled services and energy efficiency measures.

With a view to revamping the present Consumer Grievance Redressal Mechanism in the power sector, a consolidated regulation had been formulated namely Andhra Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission Consumer Grievances Redrassal Forum (APCGRF), Vidyuth Ombudsman and Consumer Assistance Regulation, 2016.

Greater independence was accorded to Consumer Grievance Redressal Fora that were set up by the distribution companies after appointing Chairpersons with judiciary background, an independent member from a reputed non-governmental organisation and two members-- one each from technical and finance from DISCOMS, he explained.

The Redressal Fora would resolve the consumers’ grievances immediately. When asked about the outcome of the interactive session held with the EPDCL employees and officials, the Justice replied that they have appealed to initiate steps to increase the number of personnel proportionate to the increase in the power connections.

He informed that due to shortage of workers, they were not able to attend for repair spots immediately. Justice Bhavani Prasad also informed that the participants suggested for further rationalisation and decrease in the power prices using latest technology. Chairman and Managing Director M M Nayak, Directors B Seshu Kumar and TVS Chandrasekhar Rao were also present.