Average billing not for all, submitting caste details optional: Bescom

As meter readers are busy conducting door-to-door verification of Gruha Jyothi beneficiaries, they will not be able to generate electricity bills for July. Hence, average billing will be considered for the month. However, Bescom officials have clarified that average billing will not apply to High Tension (HT) consumers, Low Tension (LT) consumers with a connected load of 40 HP and above, Solar Rooftop (SRTPV) consumers, and temporary electricity connections. These consumers will continue to receive bills based on actual meter readings.

They further clarified that July’s average electricity bills will be sent to consumers only through SMS and email. Consumers can continue to use all existing payment modes, including subdivision cash counters, the Bescom website, and third-party payment applications, to pay their July power bills.

Following reports of consumers being asked to provide caste certificates during door-to-door verification, the Energy Department on Friday clarified that providing this information is entirely optional and not mandatory. The department said that entering the beneficiary’s category or caste certificate details is purely optional.

“If a beneficiary does not wish to share their caste details, field staff have already been instructed to select the ‘refused to provide information’ option available in the mobile application,” the release said.

Helpline

In order to address queries and grievances related to the door-to-door verification of Gruha Jyothi beneficiaries, the Energy Department has started a helpline and issued dedicated phone numbers. Consumers can call the helpline between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. for any queries. The helpline numbers are 9480816111, 9480816112, 9480816113 and 9480816114.