SHILLONG: An individual from East Jaintia Hills, Kynjaimon Amse, has shot off a letter to officials concerned regarding the errant power supply of Meghalaya Electricity Corporation Limited (MeECL) in several villages of East Jaintia Hills.
In a statement released here, he stated that the power supply of the MeECL to many villages in Narpuh Elaka, East Jaintia Hills District, which are located along the NH-44, was very unsatisfactory although these villages were electrified in the past few years.
He added that service of the MeECL had been unsatisfactory in villages namely, Thangskai, Umstain, Tongseng, Sonapyrdi, Lum Myrli, Chymplong, Kuliang, Pyrtakuna, Umkiang, Lymphyllut, Lum Soski, Dona Umbluh, Dona Skul, Ratecherra, Dona Bhoi besides others which are located in the Narpuh Elaka Dalloiship.
Amse claimed that the villages often faced power cut and had to stay in darkness for many days, weeks and sometimes even months if there was a change in the weather conditions and the power was disconnected from Lumshnong.
As for fixing the irregularity is concerned, Amse said that the action towards the villagers was highly injustice as the MeECL did not solve the problem and fix the same within a reasonable time. The MeECL used to take many days just to repair minor defects.
Furthermore, he said, power supply often got disrupted to these villages due to landslide or excessive rainfall as the areas were prone to such natural calamities. However, he added, that power was turned off once the weather condition change.
“This poor and unprofessional service of the MeECL, Government of Meghalaya has caused tremendous hardships for the people particularly the students and also causing disturbance in the domestic needs of the people,” Amse said.
Peeved at the indifferent attitude of the MeECL, Amse took exception to the “poor service of the MeECL” towards its consumers and stated that it was a violation of consumer right, under the Consumer Protection Act 1986.
“The government should address this issue immediately, failing which I will be compelled to approach the consumer court to bring the service on track,” he said.
“Surprisingly, the electricity bill always comes on time despite the irregular power supply and if the villagers do not pay the bill even if there is no electricity, they are being asked to pay fines and arrears,” he said.
Amse claimed that the MeECL adjusted the bill from their office itself, and therefore, makes a common bill of similar amounts to all customers irrespective of the energy a customer consumes.
Amse said that the students bear the brunt of irregular power supply and hence urged the government to ensure that these villages get regular power supply and does not face power connection without any legitimate reasons.
He has communicated the matter to the Commissioner of East Jaintia Hills, MS Lhuid, who has assured that he will take appropriate action from his side.