MARGAO: Delay in delivering the power bills resulting in less time to pay the amount has created frustration among the power consumers in Raia.
A group of consumers from Manora-Raia has already raised this issue with the office of the Power Minister, demanding action against the concerned officials. They alleged that when citizens sought to discuss the problem, the officials responded rudely.
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Furious consumers have now demanded that the authorities immediate transfer of the concerned officer for his rude behaviour.
Consumers have claimed that in a recent incident, power bills were delivered on August 23, but were dated August 19 with a payment due date of September 2, leaving them with barely any time to pay. Anthony Fernandes, a consumer from Manora-Raia, told reporters that this issue of late bill delivery has resurfaced in their village, causing significant frustration among residents.
“There are several economically backlward families and rely on daily wages, so they need a suitable period of time to pay their bills,” he claimed. “However, the delay in delivering the bills has caused significant inconvenience to these consumers.”
He further informed that besides him, several other consumers, received their power bills on August 23, although the date of issue was August 19.
“The due date for payment is September 2, which leaves hardly a few days to arrange the money to pay the bills,” Fernandes said.
He further claimed that, according to the rules, the department should provide at least 15 days to pay the bills, but this requirement is not being properly followed.
“I tried to bring this issue to the attention of the concerned officer in the billing section, but instead of addressing the problem, the officer behaved rudely,” Fernandes alleged.
He further informed that a group of consumers from the village has now notified the office of the Minister for the Power Department, demanding the immediate transfer of the concerned officer.
Jose Madeira, another consumer, also expressed frustration, emphasizing the need for adequate time to arrange the funds to pay the bills.
“We are unable to manage the money within such a short period of time. At least 15 days should be given to us,” he stated.
Sebastiao Colaco also urged the department to ensure timely delivery of power bills. “Consumers face penalties and disconnection notices if they fail to pay on time,” he questioned. “Why is there no time limit for the department to deliver the bills?”
