Consumers have now reported that not only have they received bills for their consumption in July, but their bills are also higher than usual. , Photo Credit: File photo
Although the state government had announced that the Griha Jyoti scheme would be applicable to all eligible consumers from July 1, the issuance of bills by the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (BESSCOM), which includes July days in the June billing period, has sparked outrage. attracted. of consumers. While the scheme was inaugurated on July 1, it was announced that its benefits would be reflected in August bills.
talking to Hindu A few weeks ago, Mahantesh Bilagi, managing director, Bescom, had said that after the delay in billing in June (for the month of May), the billing cycle in July would consider only 25 days of consumption. Consumers have now reported that not only have they received bills for their consumption in July, but their bills are also higher than usual.
“My electricity consumption had never exceeded 200 units, not even during the lockdown when my family and I were at home every day. But suddenly my consumption has been shown as 240 units in this month’s bill. The bill amount is almost 50% more than my last month’s bill. Leave aside free electricity, they should at least not charge us more,” Vijeth S., who lives near Kanakapura Road. he said.
While some have not yet paid their bills and are waiting for some clarification regarding the implementation of Griha Jyoti, some others who have the automatic payment system in place are worried if they are covered under the scheme. They will be given their money back. “We have ECS payment system for our bills and under this, payment for our electricity bill has already been deducted. Our billing cycle was from June 8th to July 8th. Will they give us a refund now,” asked Namrata, a resident of Malleshpalya.
Even the officials of Bescom did not have much clarity on what further course of action could be taken. “We have done our billing as per the norms given by KERC. At present, we have submitted the proposal of our plan to the Energy Minister. We are expecting an order or clarification shortly,” said a source in Bescom.