Skip to main content

Local Electricity Forum 3&4 | Chhattisgarh | November 2024

Citizen consumer and civic Action Group (CAG) in association with the Anmol Foundation is working on a project “Accelerating Clean Energy Transition By Improving Stakeholder Participation For Electricity Governance In India” in Chattisgarh. As part of this, Mr.Sanjay Sharma, Director, Anmol Foundation gave a brief introduction about CAG adding that  CAG is working in five Indian states on promoting electricity rights of consumers. He mentioned that local electricity forums aim to build the capacity of the consumers in different aspects of the electricity sector, aiming to  solve grievances in a collective manner. 

3rd Local Electricity Forum Meeting at Manpat, Surguja District

The 3rd local electricity forum meeting was conducted on November 19, 2024 at the Agricultural Research Center Barima, Mainpat, Surguja District. A total of 45 participants from rural households, small traders and agricultural consumers participated.


Mr.Sanjay Sharma, during his speech

Mr. Vindeshwari Pankra, member of Tribal Welfare Cooperative Society, and also an energy efficiency expert provided information about the usage of star rated appliances, especially with regard to irrigation pumps. He gave a comparative analysis of consumption  units between the non- star rated pumps vs star rated pumps. He also explained the PM-Kusum scheme where electricity consumers with agriculture connections can install solar pumps. He gave energy-saving tips such as switching off the appliances at the wall when  not in use. He shared detailed information about the process of applying for and availing the benefits of the PM Surya Ghar Yojana. He also answered questions raised by the participants. 


A consumer sharing his view during the meeting

Mr.Rajmeru, a representative from the Chhattisgarh Power Supply Distribution Company Limited, demonstrated how the electricity bill is calculated. He explained the composition of an electricity bill, using a real bill for demonstration. The participants raised their doubts such as whether rebate is provided on the electricity bill for all domestic consumers. He clearly answered all their questions.  


Participants from the meeting

Mr.Krishna, representative of the Gram Adhikar Manch, summarised the programme and concluded the program by expressing his gratitude.

 

4th Local Electricity Forum Meeting at Ambikapur, Surguja District

The  4th local electricity forum meeting was conducted on November 20th, 2024 at Navanagar Bhawan of Ambikapur block, Surguja District. A total of 35 participants from rural households participated in the meeting. The meeting was held to raise awareness among tribal communities about  electricity conservation,  use of solar energy and how to resolve their electricity-related problems.

Mr. Rakesh Rai, during his speech


Mr. Rakesh Rai, renewable energy expert, explained in detail the application process for PM Suryaghar Yojana and encouraged  the use of solar energy in their homes. Information was given about portable solar pumps for small farmers and schemes run by CREDA. Technical aspects of use and maintenance of solar energy were also explained.

Participants from the meeting

Mr. Surit Sai, President, Gram Adhikar Manch discussed concerns around  high electricity bills and frequent power shutdowns in the village, seeking  solutions.  Mr. Sanjay Sharma suggested that Mr.Surit Sai  register a complaint with the electricity department as the first step. He also assured that they would work together to get a permanent solution that would result in  uninterrupted power supply. 


Participants from the meeting

To conclude,  Mr. Sanjay Sharma talked about the importance of registering a written complaint. He mentioned that it is the CSPDCL’s duty to solve grievances within the time limit mentioned by the Regulatory Commission. He also assured of conducting an electricity-saving campaign in the upcoming months with the help of the Gram Adhikar Manch. 

Licence type
Resource Type