The Telangana State Electricity Regulatory Commission (TSERC) published a draft amendment to the (Establishment of mechanism for Redressal of Grievances of the Consumers) Regulation, 2015, on 22 October 2020 and invited public comments. Prayas (Energy Group) submitted comments and suggestions towards ensuring the accountability of Distribution Companies and enhancing consumer interests. This included:

• Amending the constitution of the Consumer Grievance Redressal Forum (CGRF) with maximum representation from non-licensee staff
• Ensuring that vacancies in the CGRF do not persist for more than 30 days
• Taking proactive steps to ensure that the CGRF is accessible to all consumers
• Enabling the CGRF to hold the Licensee accountable if the compliance report is not submitted
• Allowing a group of consumers to approach the CGRF with grievances affecting them collectively
• Ensuring the widespread dissemination of information and awareness regarding the CGRF and its services
• Clarifying the provision of reviewing CGRF orders to ensure expedient and efficient redressal

The full submission is avaiilable in the attachment.