LATA STEELS Vs. C E S C LTD

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This is a complaint against the CESC Ltd. complaining about excess billing. The complainant is a consumer of electricity having Consumer No.33066029006. The petitioner's case is that the C. E. S. C. Ltd. changed their electric meter on the plea that the same has not been functioning properly and had raised bills for a highly excessive amount. It has been alleged that the petitioner's monthly consumption is within Rs.10,000/- but that a huge bill of Rs.1,24,859/- was raised by the CESC Ltd. in the month of November, 1997. The petitioner has accordingly prayed for correction of the bill and payment of compensation a s detailed in the complaint. The case is contested by the opposite party whose contention is that there was overloading in the meter as a result of which it was burnt and as a result a new meter was supplied. Monthly meter reading as against the new meter could not be entered on account of non-availability of the Inspector's access to the meter board and as a result several months' charges were accumulated in a single bill.

(2.) After hearing both the parties, we consider that it is a fit case where the correctness of the meter should be tested by the C. E. I. Accordingly, we direct that the petitioner would make an adhoc payment of 50% of the disputed bill and the dispute be referred to the C. E. I, for adjudication. The finding of the C. E. I. will be binding on both the parties. The C. E. I. would submit his report within one month from the date of reference to him and in the meantime the petitioner shall continue to pay the undisputed bill as usual.

(3.) The case is thus disposed of. There will be no order for cost. Case disposed of.