In a positive development, the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) has refunded a total of Rs 79.96 crore to approximately 34.46 lakh electricity consumers in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad cities, as well as Ambegaon, Junnar, Khed, Maval, Mulshi, Velhe, and Haveli talukas under the Pune circle. This refund has been adjusted in the respective customers’ electricity bills. Let’s delve into the details of this refund and how it benefits the consumers.
Understanding the Security Deposit: As per the Electricity Supply Code 2021 of the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission, electricity consumers are required to pay a security deposit. The security deposit is recalculated on an annual basis, taking into account the customer’s average electricity consumption in the previous year. Monthly bill consumers have to pay a security deposit twice the average monthly bill, while quarterly bill consumers pay one and a half times the average quarterly bill. These calculations are mandated by the regulatory commission.
Refund Process and Interest Calculation: According to clause 13.11 of the Electricity Supply Code, the interest earned on the security deposit, calculated at a rate equivalent to the Reserve Bank of India’s rate, is adjusted and refunded to the electricity consumers through their electricity bills. In the fiscal year 2022-23, a total refund of Rs 79.96 crore has been granted to 34.46 lakh low and high-pressure electricity consumers in the Pune circle. Consumers with agricultural pumps, who receive quarterly electricity bills, will see the refund amount adjusted in their June electricity bills.
Distribution of Refund Amount: Out of the total refund amount, Rs 39.20 crore has been reimbursed to 34.41 lakh low-voltage household, commercial, industrial, and other electricity consumers. Among them, consumers in Pune city, numbering 17.84 lakh, will receive Rs 21.60 crore, while 7.88 lakh electricity consumers in Pimpri and Chinchwad will be refunded Rs 9.22 crore.
Furthermore, customers from Ambegaon, Junnar, Khed, Maval, Mulshi, Velhe, and Haveli talukas, totaling 8.68 lakh, have received a refund of Rs 8.36 crore. Additionally, a sum of Rs 40.76 crore has been adjusted in the electricity bills of 5,403 high-pressure category consumers and 5,403 other consumers as security deposit refunds.
The refund of Rs 80 crore as security deposit interest to 34 lakh electricity consumers in the Pune circle brings financial relief and fairness to the consumers. This refund process follows the guidelines set by the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission and ensures that consumers receive their entitled interest on the security deposit. MSEDCL’s initiative reflects their commitment to transparent and customer-centric practices, benefitting a wide range of electricity consumers in the Pune circle.
