Monday, November 13, 2006

Electric SHOCK !!

If you live in Mumbai and have Reliance Energy Ltd (REL) as your electricity supplier .. be ready for a SHOCKing Bill !!

This is what happened to me yesterday .....

I have a small factory area, which remains closed most of the time and is used only for storage of material. The usual electricity bill I get is, generally, less than Rs. 200 (annual average units consumed is less than ELEVEN units).

This month's bill is Rs. 10,810 - for just 14 units consumption !!

As per REL, there's no mistake ... see the calculations given below .. REL has connived with the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) and is hood-winking the people of Mumbai, BIG TIME...

Month..Units..Bill..Fxd Demand..Energy Chg..FAC..Taxes..PFC..LMC
Mar 06...12.....213........150.............48...............1......14.........0.......0
Apr 06...12.....213........150..............48...............1......14........0.......0
May 06...10.....206.......150.............40...............3......13........0.......0
Jun 06...13.....220.......150...............52...............3......15........0.......0
Jul 06...10.....206........150...............40...............3......13........0.......0
Aug 06...14.....225.......150...............56..............4......15........0........0
Sep 06...11.....211........150..............44...............3......14........0.......0
Oct 06...14...10,810...7,441.............49..............0.....454...2,827...39

FAC = Fuel Adjustment Charge
Taxes = Govt. Duties + Mah. Govt. tax
PFC = Power Factor Surcharge
LMC = Load Management Charge

NEW CHARGES
While REL seems to have "appeased" the general public by (apparently) NOT increasing the rates in the Residential areas, but under the garb of two new "approved by MERC" charges, it is lynching the Industrial and Commercial consumers.

Very sneakily, these two new charges have been included - Power Factor Surcharge (PFC) and Load Management Charge (LMC), which are applicable to ALL consumers (irrespective of type)... which means that, shortly, even Residential users will also be affected.

A detailed study of the 124 page MERC report belies all claims that REL has been making about how it will NOT increase the rates in Mumbai.

In fact, be prepared for an increase over and above these rates, starting from whenever they decide to collect back the (incorrect) rebate given in earlier years, under the garb of a new "Additional Energy Charge."

REL - A MONOPOLY?
Somewhere in the lengthy report I read that there is also some clause to the effect that REL's competitor, Tata Power Company, is actually prohibited from supplying electricity to existing consumers of REL !!

I think somebody should haul up REL under the MRTP Act (if it is still in force).

With increasing consumer-awareness about one's rights, the fact that such things can be allowed to take place .. is a cruel joke on all of us !

Well ... and that's how I feel ...

1 comment:

ravindrar said...

Many of the charges are already present with MSEB too. But it is sure that REL has pocketed MERA. If it is true reduction of consumption by 20% or 100% penalty it is really a torture and robbery with intention to third degree murder. Relaince is a big buble in blowing process. It is going to burst some day and at that time it will be the unrepairable and will make a big harm to India economy. The economist who are slaves of Reliance are never going to understand this. As they are also sold. Rise of the Reliance is only due to manipulation. Mr. D use to melt coins in Yemen and derive silver from it. He was deported for this crime. This is the base of Indian giant.

Indians are in race to buy the Reliance share. Do you think Reliance is really making good profit. Not at all. This is there way, like they bought MERA. With left hand Reliance is emptying or pockets and by other right hand giving you tiny part of this theft (divident & bonus shares). Are we going to realise this? Stop buying Reliance share.