Outrage among Bhatkal residents against HESCOM over hefty Electricity billing during lockdown
Bhatkal: Residents in Bhatkal are left shocked and outraged after their electricity bills have reportedly inflated significantly during the Coronavirus lockdown. Supported by an independent study, a local organization 'Speech Foundation’ in Bhatkal recently evening organized a virtual press conference to detail their claims.
The organization claimed that it had independently studied the electricity bill cycles of 31 houses of various localities in Bhatkal and had come across major inflation in bills during the lockdown period. It added, in some cases the inflation as high as 177%.
Of the 31 one cases studied by the organization, at least 8 cases had unprecedented inflation of over 100% while one case clocked inflation of 99%.
The members of the organization, part of the independent study asserted that it was evident the HESCOM had charged exorbitantly to the consumers post lockdown as cumulative bills for 3 month period are excessively high.
The inputs of the study shared showed that the study was based on the bills of the previous eight months. It also added that the HESCOM had possibly failed to apply monthly consumption slab formulas which have resulted in the inflated bills that have caused inconveniences to the people in town.
It noted “It’s been observed HESCOM failed to apply monthly consumption slab formulas. It's assumed they applied the highest tariffs per unit charges by issuing a three-month bill” adding that it was not ruling out the possibility of a scam on the part of HESCOM who might just take advantage of COVID-19 crisis to loot people.
On being asked, what the organization believed was the solution, Abu Hajar, who had extensively took part in the campaign and study asserted that the HESCOM on an immediate basis should respond and should come up with a solution on its own or immediately waive off the extensive amounts of the bill. It also added that it was open to negotiating if the power supply company would charge the highest bill of the consumer in one year before the lockdown.
People on the other hand have also alleged irregularities and lack of response from the local authorities with social media claims adding that in some cases the authorities forced consumers to pay the bills as it has been charged or to face disconnection of power supply. This, the claims added had resulted in people paying off the bills fearing disconnection of power supply.
The organization also added that it had officially contacted HESCOM with their findings through email but claimed that they were yet to get a response from the authority.
Interestingly, similar reports have come in from various parts of the country including in a few places in Karnataka wherein people have alleged scam on the part of power supply companies and have sought the attention of the government to the issue.
Vartha Bharati also tried to contact officials of HESCOM but they were unavailable for immediate comment. The story will be updated as and when we get their comment on the issue.
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KSRTC to run 1000 special services to clear Christmas rush
Bengaluru: The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation will operate 1000 additional special services in view of the Christmas festival.
In addition to the existing schedule, the special services will run on 19.12.2025, 20.12.2025 and 24.12.2025. Further, special buses will be operated from various places of intra & Interstate places to Bengaluru on 26.12.2025 & 28.12.2025.
Special buses will be exclusively operated from Bengaluru Kempegowda Bus Station to Dharmastala, Kukkesubramanya, Shivamogga, Hassan, Mangaluru, Kundapura, Shringeri, Horanadu, Davangere, Hubbali, Dharwad, Belagavi, Vijayapura, Gokarna, Sirsi, Karwar, Raichur, Kalaburagi, Ballari, Koppala, Yadgir, Bidar, Tirupathi, Vijayawada, Hyderabad and other places.
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Special buses from Mysuru Road Bus Station will be exclusively operated towards Mysuru, Hunsur, Piriyapatna, Virajpet, Kushalanagar, Madikeri.
The corporation has also announced a discount of 5 per cent on the fare if four or more passengers book tickets under a single reservation. A discount of 10 per cent will be extended on return journey tickets if onward and return tickets are booked simultaneously.
In addition to the above, special buses will be operated from all Taluk/District Bus Stands in the jurisdiction of KSRTC based on the traffic needs.
