Order to return electricity bill amount during period of defunct solar energy system

The district consumer grievances redressal forum ordered that the respondent should return the electricity bill amount Rs 22,160 within a month to the applicant for the period March to August, the period when the Solar system was defunct. Similarly, additional Rs 7,500 should be paid to the applicant for facing mental stress and the case''s expenses, stated the forum including president Smita B Kulkarni and members Sandhya Barlinge and Kiran Thole in the order.

Dadasaheb Bhande, a resident of Shantiban Housing Society, Beed By-pass Road purchased Solar energy system from Poona, Energy’s director Vaibhav Sonune. However, the system was defunct from March 2, 2020. The respondent repaired the system on August 20. However, the complainant Bhande had to utilize electricity during the period from March to August. Hence, the respondent should pay the electricity bill amount Rs 22,160 paid during this period, Bhande demanded in a complaint lodged at the forum. The respondent mentioned that the responsibility to maintain the system is of the company and he is responsible only for installation. The Forum after hearing both the sides issued the aforesaid order.