The Orissa High Court has issued a notice to Tata Power regarding the imposition of an additional security deposit on electricity consumers, granting the company two weeks to respond. Notices have also been sent to the Odisha Electricity Regulatory Commission (OERC) and the State Energy Department Secretary, with the next hearing scheduled in three weeks.
The issue has sparked widespread public dissatisfaction across the state, prompting protests by consumer associations demanding the withdrawal of the additional deposit and relief for affected consumers.
Last month, a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed against Tata Power over the alleged unauthorised imposition of Smart Meters and additional security deposits, claiming the charges violate the Odisha Electricity Regulatory Commission (OERC) Act and power supply norms. The PIL seeks immediate withdrawal of the notification and alleges that Tata Power has imposed unlawful fees, with the Energy Secretary, OERC, and TPCODL made parties to the litigation.
