FAQs

Q. Should a consumer file the representation by Registered Post only?

Ans: No. It is not necessary. A representation can be filed through normal post or in person.

Q. Can a consumer file his representation through email?

Ans: Yes. The consumer can also file representation through email. But the email copy will be treated only as an advance intimation. Unless the representation is received duly signed in ink, action on the representation will not be initiated in the office of the Vidyut Ombudsman.

Q. Is there any 'set format' to file a representation?

Ans: Yes. A representation to be submitted shall have to be in the format provided under Annexure II or at least contain the information required in the format as contemplated under clause 18.3 of Regulation No.3 of 2016.

Q. Would the consumer be given an acknowledgement for submission of his representation before the Vidyut Ombudsman’s office?

Ans: Yes.

Q. How long would it take to get a notice of hearing?

Ans: The consumer and the respondents therein can expect to receive a notice of hearing within Ten or Fifteen days from the date of filing of the representation if it is in order. If email address of the parties is furnished, notice will also be communicated to their email address to avert delay in communication of notice. If there are any objections raised during scrutiny, the same shall have to be complied with by the representationist/consumer.

Q. Can the consumer argue his/her representation in person?

Ans: Yes. The parties can also lead evidence and make submissions before Vidyut Ombudsman as regards their case.

Q. Can a consumer authorize a person who is not an advocate to argue on his behalf?

Ans: Yes. The parties can also authorize some knowledgeable person to submit their case before the Vidyut Ombudsman.

Q. Is it necessary that an Advocate should be engaged to argue the representation before the Vidyut Ombudsman?

Ans: No. Not at all. If the parties intend to engage any advocate in case they opine that the matter in question is complicated, they can engage an advocate also.

Q. How many hearings would be conducted in a representation?

Ans: There is no fixed number. But it has been observed that complicated issues do take more number of hearings. Hearings in a case are rarely go beyond 5 or 6 hearings.

Q. Once the Vidyut Ombudsman passes a final order, any clarifications be sought for on the order passed?

Ans: No. Once an order is passed by the Vidyut Ombudsman, no further correspondence from the representationist/parties to seek clarifications on the order is permissible. The order will speak for itself and further correspondence would not be entertained. The only correspondence that may be entertained is the report from the respondent officers regarding compliance with directions if any given to them in the order.

Q. What remedy is available to the person aggrieved by the order passed by the Vidyut Ombudsman?

Ans: The representationist can invoke the writ jurisdiction of the Hon’ble High Court, if he is aggrieved of the orders of the Vidyut Ombudsman.

Q. If the DISCOM is aggrieved with the order passed by the Vidyut Ombudsman, what remedy is available to it?

Ans: The orders passed by the Vidyut Ombudsman are final. The DISCOMs may have to implement the orders of the Vidyut Ombudsman. However, there does not appear any prohibition to invoke the writ jurisdiction of the Hon’ble High Court by the DISCOMs.

Q. Is any fee payable for filing the representation before the Vidyut Ombudsman?

Ans: No. No Fee is prescribed for filing a representation.

Q. If the party has not received an order passed by the Vidyut Ombudsman, how can a certified copy of the order be obtained?

Ans: The Vidyut Ombudsman communicates every final order passed in a representation to the representationist and the respondents by post, and now-a-days, also by email of the parties if furnished by them on their appearance or during hearing. Therefore, there may not be any need to obtain any further copy from the Vidyut Ombudsman. Every order passed by the Vidyut Ombudsman is uploaded on the 'Vidyut Ombudsman website', in pdf format, the same can be downloaded by accessing the website at www.vidyutombudsman.ap.gov.in. Yet, if any further copy is sought to be obtained, one can submit such application, and the copy of the order may be obtained personally on payment of requisite Fee.