Consumer Grievance Redressal Forum Northern Region, Kozhikode

CONSUMER GRIEVANCE REDRESSAL FORUM NORTHERN REGION, KOZHIKODE. (Formed under section 42(5) of Electricity Act 2003.) Vydyuthibhavan, Gandhi Road, Kozhikode -673011 Telephone Number -0495 2367820 [email protected]

PRESENT

BEENA GOPINATH. S : CHAIRPERSON

ROBIN PETER : MEMBER III

OP NO.174/2018-19

PETITIONER :-

1. Smt. Chennamma Rai, Daila House, Pathur – P.O., Bakrabaile, Manjeshwar, Vorkady Panchayath, Kasaragod – 671 323. RESPONDENTS :-

1. Assistant Executive Engineer, Electrical Sub Division, KSEB Ltd, Uppala, Kasaragod District.

2. Assistant Engineer, Electrical Section, KSEB Ltd., Vorkady, Kasaragod District – 671 323.

ORDER Case of the Petitioner:-

The petitioner Smt. Chennamma Rai is a domestic consumer bearing number 6512 under electrical section Vorkady. The petitioner complains that about 50 houses in and around Pathoor post and village, Bakrabail, Manjeswaram, Kasaragod is facing low voltage problem and severe voltage fluctuations. Their electrical appliances, like electric motors, bulbs etc are getting burnt in front of them due to heavy voltage. Their agricultural land could not be watered due to frequent motor failure. Low voltage problem also affects them very badly. So many aged people are living in the houses. They seek urgent intervention of CGRF to get relief for the problem being faced by them.

Version by the respondent;-

There is an electric connection with consumer number 1166852006512 in the name of Smt. Chennamma Rai, Daila House, Pathoor under electrical section, Vorkady.

Based on the complaint, an inspection was conducted at the premises of Smt. Chennamma Rai, it is found that the voltage fluctuation mentioned in the complaint has been occurred due to loose contact on neutral point and jumper connection. These problems are rectified and present voltage obtained at the premises is 160V. The premises of the petitioner is 2km away from the Bakrabail 160KVA transformer. Three phase line is about 0.75km away and approximately 50 numbers of consumers including domestic, agricultural and others are connected

to this single phase line. For rectifying voltage problem in the area, one number 100KVA transformer installation works at Kalarkatta is already proposed in PMU action plan for the year 2020-21 under electrical section vorkady.

Discussion, analysis and findings:-

Hearing of the case was convened on 03/04/2019 and 10/04/2019.

The respondent was present in the hearing conducted on 03/04/2019 only and the petitioner remained absent on both days.

Having considered all the documents submitted and the deliberations during the hearing, the forum has come to the following conclusions leading to the decision;-

The respondent states that the voltage fluctuations were occurred due to loose contact on neutral point and jumper connections. Those problems were rectified by the respondent and 1st aspect of the complaint thus stands closed.

Another complaint of the petitioner is low voltage being faced in and around the area occupied by about 50 houses. Implementation of voltage improvement work is the only option left to the respondent. It is reported by the respondent that the voltage obtained at the premises is 160 Volts only. As per Kerala Electricity Supply Code Regulation 7, the licensee is duty bound to maintain the specified voltage levels at the point of supply. As per the above Regulation “Six present on higher side and lower side in the case of LT supply” is the permissible variation in voltage at the point of supply. The respondent says that the low voltage

problem can be rectified by installation of 100 KVA transformer at Kalarkatta which work is scheduled for execution in the year 2020-21.

From the above statement the Forum came to the conclusion that the delay of 2 years for implementing the scheme is not allowable.

Hence the Forum directs the respondents to take all necessary steps, like rescheduling the PMU work, so that the voltage improvement work viz installation of 100KV transformer at ‘Kalarkatta’ get executed in the initial quarter of 2019-20 itself.

The petition is disposed off accordingly.

DECISION:-

1) The Petition is allowed. 2) Respondent shall carry out the voltage improvement work in the initial quarter of 2019-20.

Dated this the 02nd day of May , 2019.

Sd/- Sd/- Robin Peter Beena Gopinath.S Member III Chairperson.

Endt.on CGRF-NR /OP 174/ 2018-19 / 67 / 02/05/ 2019

Forwarded to: 1) Smt. Chennamma Rai, Daila House, Bakrabaile, Manjeshwar, Vorkady Panchayath, Kasaragod – 671 323.

2) The Assistant Executive Engineer, Electrical Sub Division, KSEB Ltd, Uppala, Kasaragod District.

Copy submitted to: - Chief Engineer (Distribution – North Malabar ), Kannur .

Copy to: 1. The Secretary, KSEB Ltd., Vydyuthibhavanam, Thiruvananthapuram. 2. Deputy Chief Engineer, Electrical Circle, Kasaragod. 3. The Executive Engineer, Electrical Division, Kasaragod, KSEB Ltd, Kasaragod District 4. The Assistant Engineer, Forwarded Electrical Section, Vorkady KSEB Ltd, Kasaragod District. Sd/- Chairperson.