“Meter readers will go to every house and establishment but if any house remains closed, the consumer can send the meter reading through WhatsApp,” chief electrical engineer Raghuvir Keni said
Panaji: The electricity department has given consumers the option of sending meter readings via WhatsApp or SMS so they can generate bills during the lockdown. The option is for consumers of areas where meter readers cannot reach.
“Meter readers will go to every house and establishment but if any house remains closed, the consumer can send the meter reading through WhatsApp,” chief electrical engineer Raghuvir Keni said.
“The department has activated a WhatsApp number + 917972980575 on which consumers having installations within the state can post a photo of their meter reading, indicating the figures displayed on the meter’s LCD display specific to kWh,” he added.
The directions have come in from the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC), he said.
“The photo should include the details of the meter as well. The consumer should post the consumer account (CA) number, location and name as per the bill. The readings have to be provided in the first week of the month,” Keni added
After verifying the information, the department will decide whether to consider the readings for bill generation.
The JERC has also introduced a moratorium on payment of fixed charges to all industrial and commercial consumers for bills raised between March 24 and June 30.
“These deferred charges shall be recovered in an equated manner over next three bills to be raised after June 30,” JERC stated in its order.
Source: TNN
