Now, register power-related complaints on WhatsApp

AURANGABAD: The Citizen Facilitation Centre (CFC) run by Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) in the city announced a mobile number 7066042148 on which different complaints other than power-cuts can be lodged using WhatsApp.
Power utility officials said the new grievance redressal facility on WhatsApp will be in addition to existing centralised and local helpline numbers.
“As WhatsApp has become a common mobile messenger nowadays, we are attempting to make best use of it for addressing complaints of consumers. Complaints related to power usage, delay in new power connections and issuing reconnection among other grievances can be lodged using the WhatsApp message on designated number,” an MSEDCL official said.
Unlike centralised helpline services, the grievance redressal through WhatsApp will not have the facility to track the status of complaints. “Complaints lodged using WhatsApp would be communicated to respective departments for necessary action. However, no complaint tracking mechanism has been worked out yet. Consumers need to mention their consumer number along with complaint while sending text message on WhatsApp,” the official added.
The MSEDCL toll-free helpline numbers 18002003435 and 18002333435 are also in place for grievance redressal in addition to local contact number 0240-2352666. Authorities have also appealed consumers to make best use of mobile application and official websites as means for grievance redressal.
Meanwhile, the CFC located near Government Milk Dairy on Jalana Road is claimed to have catered to nearly 13,000 consumers since its inception in December 2015. The first-of-its-kind facility has been offering key services to consumers besides facilitating grievance redressal mechanism under one roof.
The CFC, which remains operational from 10 am to 5 pm, also accepts payment towards electricity bills along with issuing duplicate power bills and process request for temporary power disconnection of consumers.
The centre also makes available educational material related to the duties of energy regulator Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) and different legislations associated with power supply.
The MSEDCL Aurangabad circle, which covers Aurangabad and Jalna districts, has around 6.83 lakh residential consumers, 58,000 commercial consumers and around 16,000 industrial consumers.