Bokaro: Irregular electricity bills, faulty or non-functional meters, lack of meter readings, frequent outages and concerns over the existing metering system dominated discussions at a public hearing organised by the Jharkhand State Electricity Regulatory Commission (JSERC) in Bokaro on Wednesday.The hearing was attended by JSERC chairperson Justice Navneet Kumar, legal member Mahendra Prasad, secretary RP Nayak and assistant director (tariff) Sanjeev Kumar Mahto.Members of the Consumer Grievance Redressal Forum (CGRF), Bokaro, including chairperson Satya Prakash and member Rajesh Kushwaha, highlighted consumer concerns before the commission.To address recurring billing complaints, JSERC officials suggested adopting an outsourcing model for smart metering to improve accuracy and transparency in consumption records. The commission also stressed the need to strengthen the mechanism to ensure quicker resolution of consumer grievances.Officials recommended the introduction of a monthly billing system to minimise disputes and prevent the accumulation of outstanding dues.The issue of dual metering for plots and mixed-use commercial-cum-residential buildings also came up during the discussions.“The issue of dual metering for plots and commercial-cum-residential buildings was discussed in detail. It was decided that the proposal would be examined further, and a detailed report would be submitted by Aug 31,” said Rajul Halkarni, general manager (Electrical), Bokaro Steel Plant (BSL), who represented the company at the hearing.Participants also flagged the growing challenge of power theft, linking it to revenue losses and disruptions in power supply. The commission directed CGRF Bokaro to coordinate with the Bokaro deputy commissioner and assist the DISCOM in tackling electricity theft.During the hearing, officials noted that electricity tariffs in Bokaro remain among the lowest compared with prevailing rates elsewhere. However, BSL sought a tariff revision, citing rising input costs, particularly after Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) increased its power charges from Rs 4.20 per unit to Rs 5.80 per unit.
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