MESCOM's demand for dues due to faulty meters leaves consumers fuming!

Udupi: Electricity distribution company Mescom suddenly demanding extra dues for faulty reading of electricity meters has shocked consumers. Moreover, the discom giving just 30 days’ time to clear the dues has left consumers fuming.

Consumers say that though the meters were faulty, they get bills regularly every month. They have been paying the bills generated promptly. However, they have got a notice for payment of dues again asking them to pay the amount within 30 days.

When a meter is faulty, the monthly bills are generated based on the historical average consumption.

Consumers say they are bearing the brunt because of MESCOM’s inability to replace the faulty meters. “Why were we not told that our meters were faulty? Why did MESCOM not replace those faulty meters? it isn’t right to send a sudden demand for payment without proper intimation,” one consumer said.

Consumers say they have gotten notices for paying amounts ranging from Rs 1000 to Rs 4000 for the July to September months. The letter received gives only 15 days’ time to raise objections if any and 30 days’ time to clear the dues.

MESCOMs clarification

Meanwhile, MESCOM officials said that they have requisitioned for new meters to replace the faulty ones. However, they have not received them yet. “Such problems will persist until the meters are replaced,” MESCOM official said.