For Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (Bescom), back-billing without a reason has become a routine.
For Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (Bescom), back-billing without a reason has become a routine. This time, they have back-billed a government undertaking to the tune of Rs2 crore, which was proved wrong at the Consumer Grievance Redressal Forum of Bescom.
In 1997, InStem, an institute for stem cell biology and regenerative medicine, an autonomous institute of government of India, sought 200 megawatts of power from Bescom.
“They had an agreement that they would be provided power in a phased manner. When the company began, they had asked for 500 MW of power, which was provided. They wanted to take power when they needed more as the company was still growing,” explained the advocate for the InStem, Delvi.
In 2003, when the company approached Bescom for sanction of another 500 MW of power, they were in for a rude shock. “We were back-billed to the tune of Rs2 crore. When we asked why we were back-billed, they told us that they had forgotten to collect the monthly minimum deposit from us,” said Basavraj, project officer, InStem.
When the contract was signed in 1997, the company had shelled out all the infrastructure costs needed to draw the 200 MW of power.
“We also have drawn 11-KV line for 5 km from RMS Layout to GKVK campus, where our facility is situated. Despite following all rules and regulations, we have still been billed wrongly,” he said.
InStem officials then approached the Consumer Grievance Redressal Forum where the case was proven on their behalf. But Bescom does not want to give up on the easy income that they would get if the company pays up.
“They dismissed the case and asked my client to pay the claim in 10 instalments without any interest from November 2011,” said Delvi.
“We have done nothing wrong. Even when it is their fault, we have to pay the money. Why should we pay the minimum deposits when we have agreed to spend on all the infrastructural costs which they are supposed to pay?” said Basavraj.
Now, InStem officials have decided to go to the ombudsman of Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission.
“This is the only way out. We want justice. Even though everything is in our favour, we still have to pay. I don’t get the logic,” said Basavraj.
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