Ans: No. It is not necessary. An appeal can be filed through normal post also.
Ans: Yes. You can also file your appeal through email. But the email will be treated only as an advance intimation. Unless the appeal is received in two or more sets depend upon the parties involved, duly ink-signed, no action on the appeal will be initiated in the O/o the Electricity Ombudsman.
Ans: To know the procedure of filing of representation before the Ombudsman, you can see the Regulation 29 of DERC (Forum for Redressal of Grievances of Consumers and Ombudsman) Regulations, 2018 (hereinafter referred as DERC Regulations) uploaded in website of the O/o Ombudsman/DERC.
Ans: Yes. You have to fill the ‘Proforma for Appeal’ for filing an appeal. The appeal should be properly ink-signed is required to be submitted in two or more sets depend upon the parties involved. The grievance may be written clearly in Hindi or English language. State clearly the relief that is being sought from the Ombudsman. Issues which were not raised before the CGRF would not be accepted. The appeal related papers should be readable. Copy of identity/address proof is also required to be submitted along with the appeal.
Ans. Regulation 29 (3)(vi) of DERC Regulation supra invokes, “unless the complainant has deposited in the stiuplated manner, an amount equal to one-third of the amount, that is required to be paid by him in terms of the order of the Forum with the licensee through DD or thourgh modes as specified by the Commission from time to time and documentary evidence of such deposit is enclsoed wit h the representation”.
Ans: Regulation 30 (1) of DERC Regulation supra invokes, within seven (7) days of receipt of a representation, the Secretary shall send an acknowledgement to the complainant.
Ans: Regulation 30 (8) DERC Regulation supra invokes, “Where any person who has been a party to the proceedings before the Ombudsman fails to appear on the date of hearing as may be fixed on more than two (2) consecutive occasions, in this behalf, the Ombudsman may decide the Grievance ex-parte:
Provided that no adjournment shall be ordinarily granted by the Ombudsman unless sufficient cause shown and the reasons for the grant of adjournment have been recorded in writing by the Ombudsman”.
Ans: Regulation 30 (7) DERC Regulation invokes, “A consumer, Distribution Licensee or any other person who is a party to any proceedings before the Ombudsman may either appear in person or authorize any person to present his case before the Ombudsman and to do all or any of the acts for the purpose”. You can depute anybody, duly authorized by an authority letter, to argue your case before the Electricity Ombudsman but make sure he/she should have well conversant with the matter. Copy of his/her ID proof is also required.
Ans. Regulation 30 (12) of DERC (Forum for Redressal of Grievances of Consumers and Ombudsman) Regulations, 2018 invokes, “The Ombudsman shall pass an award as early as possible but not later than three (3) months from the date of receipt of the representation:Provided that where there is delay in disposal of a representation within the said period of three (3) months, the Ombudsman shall record reasons of such delay”.
Ans: Regulation 30 (15) of DERC Regulation supra invokes, “A certified copy of the order or award shall be sent to the parties within (7) days from the date of order. A copy of the order may also be sent to the concerned Forum for information”.
