------------------------------------------------------------------- Do GOACAN a favour, circulate this email to your family members, relatives, neighbours and friends. Help other CITIZENS to be better informed. ------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- GOACAN writes to Chief Electrical Engineer for Comprehensive Guidelines on Bill Payments & Safety norms in view of lock down due to COVID-19 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In view of the receipt of consumer queries with regards payment of electricity bills, extension of last date and availability of field staff, GOACAN has written to the Chief Electrical Engineer Raghuvir Keni requesting for Comprehensive Guidelines in view of the lock down due to COVID-19.
It may noted that since it is the end of the financial year, consumers mainly senior citizens had many queries especially in view of the ongoing lock down which is in force till 14th April and may get extended. Moreover since there are travel restrictions like public transport stopped and use of personal vehicles not encouraged, electricity consumers are looking for information on redressal of consumer grievances. GOACAN in its letter has sought comprehensive guidelines which would cover the payment of electricity bills, extension of last date, relaxation for delayed payment and general advisory on mode of payment and facilities for the same. Announcement of power shut downs if any, pre-monsoon preparedness works in April & May and other local works to be undertaken & mode of communication to consumers. Appointment of Taluka level Nodal officers to handle consumer grievances if any and to network with other Departments particularly the officers coordinating Disaster Management with the respective District Collectors. Advisory to consumers on use of electrical appliances during the summer months of April & May, stress likely to be on fans & air conditioners due to over use and general Do's & Dont's to avoid short circuits etc. Advisory in terms of safety norms to be observed by all electricity users particularly senior citizens, use of any additional helplines besides 1912, dedicated email id and a special section for the same on the Department website. GOACAN its letter to the CEE has also acknowledged the challenging times faced by the field staff of the Department like the linesmen & meter readers who are engaged in maintaining this essential service and whose life is now also at a risk due to the present health scenario. GOACAN has recommended that the CEE arrange a special package for the Electricity Departments field staff & their families in view of these difficult times and inform the public of the same. Copies of the letter have been sent to the Chief Secretary, Principal Secretary Power, Secretary Civil Supplies, Secretary JERC, respective District Collectors, Directors DHS, Panchayats, Municipal Administration, DGP and the Director of Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- GOACAN Complaints Cell Post Box 187 Margao, Goa 403 601 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- GOACAN Complaints Cell Post Box 78 Mapusa, Goa 403 507 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- mail to: [email protected] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
