Power regulatory panel launches consumer empowerment drive from Yamunanagar
Taking a significant step towards strengthening consumer rights, the Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission (HERC) launched the Consumer Advocacy Cell (CAC) campaign from Yamunanagar.
The first field meeting was chaired by Mukesh Garg, member (law) of the commission.
Mukesh Garg said strengthening the grievance redressal mechanism at the grassroots level to ensure swift resolution of consumer complaints was the commission’s top priority.
He said at present, 21 circle-level, four zonal and two corporate-level consumer grievances redressal forums (CGRF) were functional across the state.
“To further enhance the consumer convenience, the commission has now decided to establish CGRFs at the division level as well,” said Mukesh Garg.
The meeting was attended by electricity ombudsman RK Khanna, Chief Engineer (operations) Chandan Singh, Superintendent Engineer Puneet Kundu, Joint Director Manoj Garg, Joint Director (law) Aloka Sharma, Deputy Director (media) and CAC coordinator Pradeep Malik, Executive Engineers of UHBVN and various consumer representatives.
Mukesh Garg directed the officers to ensure that all consumer complaints were recorded seriously and resolved within a stipulated timeframe.
“Complaints that can be settled at the SDO level should be prioritised and satisfactory responses should be provided for all other complaints,” said Mukesh Garg.
He emphasised that insensitive behaviour towards the consumers would not be tolerated under any circumstances.
He further stated that non-compliance with CGRF orders would attract penal action under Sections 142 and 146 of the Electricity Act, 2003.
During the meeting, the consumers were briefed in detail about the 1912 helpline, CGRF framework and grievance redressal processes.
The consumers actively shared their issues, which were immediately acknowledged by the officers concerned and they assured them timely resolution.
Mukesh Garg asserted that the consumer protection must not merely remain a policy goal but must be effectively implemented in practice.
He emphasised that it was for the first time in the country that a commission member was leading the Consumer Advocacy Cell, highlighting HERC’s deep commitment towards safeguarding consumer rights.
He also stressed the importance of the consumer awareness to protect against cyber frauds and urged all stakeholders to collectively work towards ensuring consumer safety.
Haryana Tribune