NEW DELHI: Accepting that the meter readings collected by them were different from the actual readings in many cases, Delhi Jal Board is giving arebate of 30% on bills dated till March 31, 2013, and paid by January 1, 2014. This, however, does not cover many bills issued in June and July which in some cases are running into lakhs.
Officials said the billing had stabilized after they switched to a new billing system, but it is only after the third billing cycle that the difference will be evident. "We have been getting complaints of high bills.
In areas where private companies have taken over billing, a difference can be seen in the readings. They are recording the actual reading whereas the DJB database shows incorrect readings. It was our fault that the data wasn't recorded correctly so we have decided to give them a rebate and extended the period for payment," said a senior official.
The private companies have also been asked to reasses the bills and charge consumers on the basis on their actual consumption during the period. "If this does not work, they will work out an average consumption and charge accordingly. The new billing system has worked in many areas and consumers have started getting regular and correct bills. We were averaging a four-month billing period earlier, but this financial year, we have completed two billing cycles and are about to start the third," said an official.
with thanks : Times of India : LINK
