Prospective power consumers in Odisha exploited by ‘dalals’ !

Reported by Sandeep Pattnaik

Bhubaneswar, June 2:

Consumers pertaining to the four divisions- Puri, Nayagarh, Balugaon and Khurda – under the jurisdiction of Central Electricity Supply Utility [CESU], are going through a lot of hardships while applying for a new power connection at their houses; thanks to  the dirty game played by the so called ‘agents’ or ‘dalals’ who play a major role in this exercise.

Following the much-touted reforms put-in-place in the state power sector, distribution companies [Discoms] have taken over the business of transmission and distribution [T&D] of power to the households.

FEDCO, a private franchisee power operator, has been handed over the responsibility for giving new power connection to the households besides, looking into the T&D aspect at these divisions. This was managed by the CESU earlier. However, the new private vendor has failed in its commitment to ensure hasslefree power connection to the prospective consumers in the  four divisions under CESU’s jurisdiction.

According to sources, the so called ‘dalals’ or ‘agents’ exploit the prospective consumers (those applying for new connection) on a regular basis and even collect excess money from them in the name of either setting up of new electric poles or citing non-feasibility in power connection, before giving power connection to their houses.

The sources said the FEDCO officials, who are aware of this, however, prefer to remain silent over such exploitation of the consumers.

However, FEDCO authorities have denied these allegations.

“Consumers willing to take new power connection can call number 7894300300 at the 24-hour service centre and register their queries for quick power connection to their houses by paying a initial minimum service charge and the rest amount at the Government prescribed rates when connection is provided,” Managing Director FEDCO, Dillip Behera said.

“Action would be taken against those  found guilty of defrauding consumers,” he added.