R K KATIYAR Vs. CHHATTISGARH STATE ELECTRICITY BOARD

JUDGEMENT

(1.) THIS appeal under Section 15 of the Consumer Protection Act, 1986 is directed against the order dated 10.11.2003 in Complaint No. 331/99 by District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum, Durg (hereinafter called the District Forum for short) directing the respondents to pay to the complainant/appellant Rs. 1,000/ - as compensation. Besides Rs. 300/ - as cost of the complaint was also awarded.

(2.) THE complainant averred that the electric meter under service connection No. 62/01/82/03/033064 has been installed in his premises since 10.1.1994. It was averred that the initial reading at the time of installation of the said meter was 6882 units. The complainant further averred that on 13.8.1997 the reading of the said meter was 15146 units. It was averred that the meter reading was however, not recorded during the above period and bill for the said period i.e., from 10.1.1994 to 13.8.1997 was also not issued to him. Thereafter, subsequently, much later, bill dated 29.8.1997 for Rs. 22,185/ - for 41 months for consumption of 15580 units was issued to the appellant. The complainant objected to the composite bill as above for the alleged period of 41 months and averred that in view of the meter reading the total consumption of the electricity by him from 10.1.1994 to 23.8.1997 was 8390 units. Therefore, he should have been charged only Rs. 8,000/ - for the said consumption of actually 43.5 months, which the respondent however, treated as 41 months. As excess amount was charged, from the complainant, he prayed for the refund or adjustment of the balance amount of Rs. 14,185/ -. He also prayed that compensation be also awarded to him.

(3.) THE complaint was resisted by the respondent Electricity Board.