Jagran correspondent, Bhubaneswar. The recent notices issued by Tata Power demanding additional security deposit are sparking widespread resentment among power consumers across Odisha. Many consumers reported that they have been asked to deposit an additional amount of Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,000 within 30 days through SMS alerts.
Consumer organizations have strongly opposed this decision. The organizations say that neither any prior notice of any review of the security deposit was given nor was it made clear on what basis the additional amount has been decided.
Residents of other areas of the state including Bhubaneswar have confirmed receiving such notices. Bhubaneswar-based consumer Shweta Samal said that she has been instructed to deposit additional security amount within a month. At the same time, Salepur Electricity Consumers Association has openly opposed this decision, calling it an unfair financial burden on consumers and has warned of agitation.
Bhubaneswar consumer Shweta Samal said that we were shocked to see this month's electricity bill. When we are paying electricity bills on time every month then why is additional security deposit being asked? This is becoming a burden for us.
Nand Kishore Bhuiyan, member of Salepur Electricity Consumers Association, said that we will protest against the recovery from consumers in the name of additional security deposit by Tata Power. We will formally start preparations for the movement. The company should stop this harassment of consumers immediately.
As per the existing rules, security deposit is taken from the consumers while taking electricity connection based on the sanctioned load. This deposit is usually equal to two months' electricity bill under Odisha Electricity Regulatory Commission (OERC) rules. The rules also provide that the security deposit may be reviewed based on the consumption of the last 12 months after the annual tariff revision.
If after recalculation the required security deposit increases by more than 10 per cent of the existing deposit, the difference amount may be demanded from the consumer. Whereas, if the difference is within 10 percent, then it is adjusted in the upcoming electricity bills.
However, consumers and their organizations are raising questions as to why Tata Power reviewed the security deposit when there has been no increase in electricity tariffs for the last four years. Also, serious objections are being raised regarding no prior information being given to the consumers and absence of any clear agreement regarding additional security deposit at the time of electricity connection.