‘Move electricity meter to accessible location or face power cut’

Panaji: The state electricity department has issued a public notice telling all consumers to ensure that their electricity meters are in an accessible location. The chief engineer has said that if the meter is not accessible, it will have to be shifted before Nov 28 this year.The notice states that consumers who do not comply may have their power connection cut.“As per Regulation 5.125 of the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission Supply Code, 2018, it is essential that the electricity meter located at the consumer premises is easily accessible to the meter reader for recording the energy meter reading,” the chief engineer has said.To shift the meter, the consumer has been instructed to identify a suitable location on his or her premises. The notice says that the new location should not be exposed to adverse weather conditions such as rains.The consumer has to then contact the electricity department officials for shifting the meter.“The name of the sub-division office concerned is mentioned in the bill copy. If you fail to act, your power supply may be disconnected until the issue is resolved,” the chief engineer has said. “In case your connection is permanently disconnected, it cannot be restored and you will have to apply for a new connection after completing all department formalities.”The chief engineer added that easy access to meters is essential to ensure regular and accurate monthly billing on the actual reading and to carry out maintenance without disturbing any consumer. The department has asked consumers to circulate the notice among all acquaintances who are currently staying out of the state with their houses closed with meters located indoors.