If there is one department that gives shocks to the consumers, it is the electricity department. The first shock is that every electricity bill is not for energy charges only but for 5 other charges viz fixed charges, FPPCA charges, electricity duty, meter rent and sundry charges. Then if you don't pay the bill within 2 weeks time, you are billed for delayed payment charges. If you find that your bill is faulty, you can take up the matter with the engineer but only after you have paid it, which is another shock. There is no deduction in charges for loss or inconvenience caused by interruptions.
The department does have some patience before the supply is disconnected for non payment of bills. However, it continues to charge energy charges at minimum rates even though you have not used any electricity during the period of disconnection. This is the mother of all shocks. Seriously, the department should have a relook at its billing policy. It cannot charge for something that it has not supplied. The government should introduce a One Time Settlement scheme for such dues.
