ASSAM STATE ELECTRICITY BOARD Vs. ELECTRICITY OMBUDSMAN

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Heard Mr. B.D. Das, the learned Senior Counsel appearing for the petitioners. The 2nd respondent is represented by the learned Counsel Mr. G. Rahul.

(2.) The petitioners question the jurisdictional authority of the Electricity Ombudsman to consider the grievances of the electricity consumer, in respect of the assessment bills raised by the Power Company, under Part -XII of the Electricity Act, 2003 (hereinafter referred to as "the Electricity Act").

(3.) The respondent No.2 was a domestic category consumer having 6 KW connected load for his premises at Karimganj. In September, 2007 he applied for commercial connection with 51 KW load, for a multi -storied commercial complex, in place of his 6 KW category connection. When the approval for commercial category connection was given on 7.7.2008 by the Sr. Electrical Inspector of the Assam Government, the consumer deposited the load security amount of Rs.54,805/ - and also the cost of the meter, on 30.7.2008 and 31.7.2008 respectively. The Test Report and other related documents were then furnished by the 2nd respondent on 11.8.2008 and thereafter the official of the Power Company made a physical inspection and load verification of the commercial building on 26.8.2008.