Electricity consumers in UP can now legally claim compensation for faulty service; Here's how

Have you ever been denied rightful compensation in an electricity service matter? In order to avoid this problem in the future, the UPPCL has made strides to aid consumers.

If you're a power consumer in Uttar Pradesh, you will be able to legally claim compensation for any service default that occurs. The UP Power Corporation Ltd (UPPCL) is implementing a prior compensation law, the Standard of Performance Regulations notified by UP Electricity Regulatory Commission (UPERC) in 2019. This fixes the maximum time for delivery in service, and allows the complainant to be compensated for facing grievances.

UPPCL has implemented the "compensation law through an online software in the entire state," an official informed.

Herein, it will enable consumers to register complaints about any service default. If the complaint is not taken into account or resolved within the stipulated time, the consumers could then avail compensation claim via the corporation's 1912 toll-free number. In such a case, the regulation prescribes fines to be imposed on distribution companies. The amount of compensation will differ with respect to different service defaults.

"The compensation number will be generated online separately to the consumer concerned and the claim too will be processed online. Compensation will be provided to all eligible complainants within a maximum of 60 days from the date of lodging the complaint," the UPPCL order said.

The overall aim of the entire exercise is to improve and provide time-bound services to consumers.

-With inputs from IANS