13 Chapter 6

CHAPTER
OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY
OF THE MSEB :
AN ANALYSIS
CHAPTER 6
OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY OF
THE MSEB : AN ANALYSIS
6.1 INTRODUCTION
6.2 OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY: AGRICULTURAL CONSUMERS
6.3 OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY: NON AGRICULTURAL CONSUMERS
6.4 OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY: CONSUMERS AND ITS PERIODWISE ANALYSIS
6.5 OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY: ELECTRIC SERVICE CONNECTION
6.6 OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY: SUPPLY OF ELECTRIC POWER
6.7 OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY: ELECTRIC BILLING
6.8 OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY: ELECTRICITY SAVING
6.9 OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY: CONSUMER FORUM
6.10 OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY: CONSUMERS OPINION ABOUT
EMPLOYEES OF THE MSEB
6.11 OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY: CONSUMER SATISFACTION WTTH
WORKING OF THE MSEB
6.12 OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY: CONSUMERS BENEFICIARY SCHEMES

CHAPTER 6
OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY OF THE MSEB: AN ANALYSIS
6.1. INTRODUCTION :
Maharastra State Electricity Board (MSEB) was established as an important agency to look after and
operate, generation, transmission and distribution of electric power in Maharastra. Of these operations
the researcher has concentrated mainly on the distribution aspect of electric power, leaving out the
generation and to some extent, transmission aspects of electric power involving more technical aid
specialized knowledge. In order to study the operational efficiency of the MSEB from commercial, and
from consumers’ point of view, the researcher has considered different aspects viz. agricultural consum
ers and their Pumpsets dynamics, availability of ground water, irrigation methods, electric light appli
ances, promptness in issuing new electric service connection, difficulties that arise at the time of getting
new connection, consumers participation, material provided by the MSEB (for new connection), supply
of electric power, interruptions, consumers complaints, services provided by the MSEB, power failure,
transformer maintenance, load shedding, tow voltage, installation of capacitors, insurance of electrical
instrument, billing process, rectification of bills, saving of electricity, consumers forum, consumers
satisfaction, and consumers beneficial schemes etc., discussion of which is the subject matter of this
chapter.
6.2. OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY: AGRICULTURAL CONSUMERS:
For collecting the information from the consumers of the MSEB the researcher has relied more on the
questionnaire. The first section of the questionnaire relates to the general information about agricultural
consumers such as pumpsets, land holding, method of irrigation, availability of ground water, cropping
pattern etc. The detailed discussion of every aspect of agricultural consumers is as given below.
6.2.1 AGRICULTURAL CONSUMERS: PUMPSETS
There are different types of pumpsets available to the market such as coupled-set, monobtock and
submersible. Naturally, agriculturists use different types of pumpsets as shown to Table 6.1.
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TABLE 6.1
TABLE SHOWING TYPES OF ELECTRIC MOTOR USED BY
AGRICUTURAL (AG.) CONSUMERS
Type of Motor No.of Agricultural consumers Percent to total
Coupled-set 149 3725
Monoblock 224 56.00
Submersible 27 6.75
Total of Agricultural 400 100.00
consumers under study.
After examining the above table carefully following facts can be deduced :
1. The users of monoblock motors are large in number; in proportion they are 56% of the total i.e.
more than half.
2. The percentage of using submersible Pumpsets is comparatively very less i.e. only 6.75% of the
total sample understudy.
3. 37.25% of the agricultural consumers use coupled pumpsets. This percentage is lower than that
of the mcnoblock pumpset users. It is observed that to irrigate a certain piece of land, the time
required by using monoblock pumpsets is less than that required when coupled motor is used and
thus, a monoblock motor is useful for lifttig ground water even from a deeper level. Naturally, the
electric consumption of coupled pumpsets will be more, hence it is necessary that the MSEB
educate and motivate agricultural consumers on this aspects so that more electric power can be
saved and more number of agricultural consumers can be served.
622. AGRICULTURAL CONSUMERS: PUMPSETS DYNAMICS
In order to utilise the maximum capacity of the electric motor, it is necessary to use the suction and
delivery pipes of proper and specific diameter. The table below (62) gives the specifications pertaining
to the size of the suction pipe, the delivery pipe and its ratio with the depth of head, the horse power
capacity of the motor and total quantity of water pumped up per hour etc. [1440 revolution of the
pumpset per minute is the standard/common speed of an electric motor.
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TABLE 6.2
TABLE SHOWING THE STANDARD SIZE OF SUCTION AND DELIVERY PIPE AND
PROPORTION OF WATER DISCHANGE ALONG WITH CAPACITY OF MOTOR
Diameter Estimated Water discharge Capacity
of the pipe head (in foot) (Gallon per hour) of motor(HP)
Suction Delivery
2“x 1.5“ 40/60 6000/1800 2
2“ x 2“ 40/60 3000 / 3900 3
2.5" x 2" 20/45 11100/7200 3
2“ x 2" 50/85 12000 / 5100 5
3” x 2" 40/65 13800 / 7200 5
4“ X 3" 20/45 15600 / 9600 7.5
4" X 3" 35/65 18100 / 10200 7.5
4" X 4" 25/50 24200 / 12000 7.5
4" x 3“ 60/85 19000/10500 10
4“ x 4" 40/65 27600 / 13200 10
5" x 4“ 20/45 37200 / 21000 10
5“ x 4“ 60/90 33000 / 18600 15
5" x 5" 20/45 43800 / 16800 15
Source : Vidyut Garahak Margdarshika p28 (Electric consumers guide).
The agriculturists should decide upon the size of the pipe to be used for irrigation purpose, taking into
consideration all the above factors (i.e. suction and delivery pipe, estimated head etc.). Generally for
a 3 HP. motor pumpset the recommended sizes of the suction pipe and the delivery pipe are 2.5“ and
2" respectively. However, additional factors such as the length of the suction pipe and delivery pipe,
total quantum of water source available etc. also need to be taken into account.
62.3 AGRICULTURAL CONSUMERS : AVAILABILITY OF GROUND WATER AND USE OF
PUMPSETS
Availability of ground water is uneven in the Solapur district and the level of ground water is very low.
There are farmers irrigating their land through wells, tube-wells and lift irrigation on the Bhima, the Sina,
the Man river and also on the back waters of the Ujjani dam. The table given below shows the
availability of water and the split up of consumers in accordance with their use of electric motor
pumpsets.
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TABLE 6.3
TABLE SHOWING AVAILABILITY OF GROUND WATER RESOURCES
AND UTILISATION OF PUMPSETS
Availability of No. of Ag. Use of Electric Motor.

ground water consumers
(wells,tube under study Continuous In the With control
wells, lifts specific cock and
period continuous
Sufficient 168 130 38 00
Normal 133 00 82 51
Seasonable 99 00 60 39
and
insufficient
Total 400 130 180 90
Following comments can be made with the help of the above table.
1. Out of the selected 400 agricultural consumers 168 (i.e. 42%) are having sufficient water in their
wells and tube wells and out of them 130 (i.e. 77.38%) use their pumpsets continuously.
2. Researcher observes that, 38 (i.e. 22.62%) farmers are having sufficient water but Ihey use their
electric motors pumpsets as and when required and not continuously.
3. According to the primary data 133 (i.e. 33.25%) agricultural consumers are having normal ground
water resources and 99 (i.e. 24.75%) agriculturists enjoy availability of water in winter and rainy
seasons. They do not get any water in the summer season. As a result, motor pumpsets are not
used at all during the summer period. At the same time, some farmers who have quite scanty
ground water rarely use their pumpsets.
4. 82 (i.e. 61.65%) of the agriculturists having normal ground water resources use their pumpsets
depending upon availability of ground water e.g. When there is no sufficient water in the well the
pumpset is used for 3 hours in the morning and 3 hours in the evening. In short, it is used for
a certain period every day. On the other hand, 51 (i.e.38.35%) farmers use control-cock or other
devices in order to reduce water discharge and run their pumpsets continuously without caring for
the capacity of the pumpsets and wastage of electric power. All the above agricultural consumers
have adopted ‘Horse Power Tariff System’ and hence they do not have to bear any economic
losses. But since they use excessive electricity sources and there is definite toss on the part of
the MSEB and also a national loss due to wastage of national energy.
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5. As a matter of fact control cock and other devices are used by 39 (i.e. 39.39%) agricultural
consumers who are having ground water in monsoon period or insufficient water in summer; while
60 (i.e.60.61%) agriculturist simply use their pumpsets, in accordance with their requirement, for
a certain period.
6. Out of 400 agricultural consumers taken up as random sample 130 (i.e.32.5%) agriculturist use
their pumpsets continuously. 180 (i.e.45%) farmers use pumpsets only in specific period as and
when required; on the other hand, 90 (i.e.22.5%) farmers use control-cock and other devices and
use it continuously unnecessarily. Such type of consumers consume unrestricted electric power.
Considering the above points it would be clear that the electricity has not been properly utilised by
some agricultural consumers. On the other hand, electricity is saved by many consumers by using their
pumpsets as per requirement and for a specific period. Majority of the agricultural consumers from
Solapur district have opted for ‘Horse Power Tariff System,’ so they are not worried about electricity
consumption.
For the purpose of avoiding the wastage of electricity the agricultural consumers need to be guided.
Atleast once in a year,motor pumpsets, its footvalve, suction pipe and other related things must be
examined by the MSEB and the farmers must be given necessary information and guidelines for the
proper handling of the pumpsets with a view to save the electric power.
The researcher would Ike to make recommendations to the MSEB in the larger interest of the farmers.
Some farmers have no water in their wells during the summer season; still, they have to pay the
electric bill unnecessarily. If the MSEB terminates the electric service connection temporarily on their
written request in summer season and allow them concession in billing for the said period, the farmers
will be greatly benefited.
6.2.4 AGRICULTURAL CONSUMERS : IRRIGATION METHOD
Normally agriculturists at present resort to the conventional method for watering the plants. However,
due to shortage of ground water and deep water level some modem irrigation methods are accepted
by the agriculturists. Such methods have proved very useful and beneficial to the consumers as they
reduce the electricity consumption as well as the consumption of water. Instead of fully resorting to
the conventional method of irrigation, more and more farmers are now turning to the modem methods.
The table (6.4) below throws light on the growing tendency, though the trend is developing very slowly.
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TABLE 6.4
TABLE SHOWING IRRIGATION METHODS ADOPTED BY
AGRICULTURAL CONSUMERS
Type of irrigation No. of Ag. consumers Percentage
method under study Total
Drip irrigation 32 8
Sprinkler irrigation 8 2
Conventional method 360 90
Total 400 100
The following observations can be made :
1. Only 8% and 2% of the total agriculturists in the Solapur district make use of the modem
techniques of irrigation such as the drip and the sprinkler, whereby electricity consumption could
be reduced. In other words, only 10% of the agricultural consumers fulfil their national duty of
saving water and electricity resources.
2. Out of the 400 agricultural consumers under study 90% still use traditional system of irrigation
(trench system). These people still seem to believe in the principle “more water, better crops,” and
though the traditional system appears to be less expensive (with lesser initial investment) it is
profitable only where there is abundance of water.
In order to attract more and more agriculturist to drip and sprinkler techniques of irrigation, the
Government of Maharashtra has declared the policy of giving 50% of the total expenditure in aid (i.e.
subsidy). The agriculturists growing towards vegetables, and horticulturists atleast, should benefit
themselves from these system. Recently drip irrigation has been used for sugar cane as well. But it
is the sugar factories who should come ahead and take initiative in popularising these techniques. The
techniques like drip and sprinkler can alone prove beneficial for areas Ike Solapur district where it is
necessary to irrigate more farms with minimum of water resources which are at our disposal. In order
to achieve the saving in electricity consumption the MSEB should take initiative to educate the farmers
and encourage them to go in for modem methods of irrigation.
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6.2.5 : AGRICULTURAL CONSUMERS : CROPPING PATTERN.
Electricity is very useful for increasing agricultural production and productivity. It is also useful for
promoting agro-based activities. Electricity has proved to be an important instrument for stimulating
agricultural activities through extensive network of minor irrigation and mechanisation of farming. In the
Solapur district by using electric motor, it is possible to lift ground water resources for the purpose of
irrigation, and consequently, increase the irrigation potential. The agriculturists of this district have
changed their cropping pattern and seasons are extended because of availability of dependable source
of irrigation.
Out of 400 agricultural consumers under study, 93% agriculturists have changed their cropping pattern
and are taking cash crops (i.e. sugar cane, cotton, etc.) instead of conventional ones i.e. Jawar and
Bajra etc. But there is a large scope for drip irrigation method in order to save both the ground water
resources and electricity. Only 10% of agricultural consumers are making supplementary efforts regard
ing electricity saving by adopting modem irrigation methods.
In the Solapur district only 19.25% farmers have now turned to horticulture. There is also a large scope
for growing grapes, pomegranate, Jujube, Banana etc. which are very beneficial not only to the farmers
but also to the nation, since there is tremendous overseas demand for them. This shows that due
to the availability of electricity alone the farmers have now switched over to irrigation through electric
pumpsets. Further through switching over to cash crops and horticulture they can also raise their
standard of life.
6.3: OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY: NON-AGRICULTURAL CONSUMERS.
Section second of the questionnaire was devoted to the collection of information from non-agricultural
consumers about the means of lighting. Electric light is called artificial light obtained from a bulb or
a tube used especially in the domestic, commercial and industrial sectors. Mercury and sodium vapour
lamps are also used for street lighting. Generally, luminosity of a bulb is much less than that of a tube
light, so it is beneficial to use a tubelight hstead of a bulb. The following table 6.5 gives the details
of means of lighting in the domestic, commercial and industrial sector.
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TABLE 6.5
TABLE SHOWING UTILISATION OF ELECTRIC LIGHT INSTRUMENTS
BY THE CONSUMERS
Type of Total No. of Utilisation of light

Consumers consumers wider instrument
study
(Excluding) Only Bulb Only Tube Bub and Tube
Ag.and HT Consumers
Domestic 400 140 30 230
Commercial 114 16 40 58
lndustrial(LT) 62 18 12 32
Others (PWW & 20 04 12 04
Street light)
Total 596 178 94 324
1. Out of the total sample population 596 non-agricultrual consumers (excluding HT industrial consum
ers) 178 use only bub, 94 only tubes and 324 use both bubs and tubes for lighting purpose.
2. Out of 178 consumers who use only bubs as an instrument of lighting, domestic consumers are
the highest in proportion i.e. 78.65%, but the percentage of the consumers using bubs less i.e.
29.87% (calculated as, 178/596 x 100)
3. Out of 596 total sample population, 94, (i.e. 15.77%), use only tubes for the lighting purpose. Of
these 94 consumers, commercial consumers accounts for 42.55% (i.e. 40 out of 94)
4. Out of the total sample of 596 consumers, (i.e. 54.36%) use both bub and tube. In short, we
can say that there is a tendency among the domestic consumers to use more bulbs while the
commercial consumers mostly use tubelights. This is because the cost of installation of a tubelight
is more than that of a bulb. Taking into consideration luminosity and life, it is suggested that ail
types of consumers should go in for the tubelight.
6.4 : OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY: CONSUMERS AND THEIR PERIODWISE ANALYSIS.
The total number 1000 consumers taken up as sample for survey, can broadly be divided into three
groups according to the period of their getting service connection as shown below in Table 6.6.
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TABLE 6.6
TABLE SHOWING PERIOD-WISE NUMBER OF ELECTRICITY CONSUMERS
Type of Number of consumers getting the Total No. of

consumers benefit of electric connection consumers
durinq the period under study
Upto end 1981 to 1991 and
of 1980 1990 onwards
Agricultural 120 220 60 400
Domestic 100 200 100 400
Industrial (LT) 20 24 18 62
Industrial (HT) 2 2 0 4
PWW 2 6 2 10
Street light 6 2 2 10
Total 298 504 198 1000
Following facts can be observed from the above table .
1. Out of 1000 consumers taken up forthe purpose of study 298 consumers (i.e. 29.8) got the electric
service connection by the end of 1980
2. During the decade (1981 to 1990} 504 (i.e. 50.4) consumers took new connections and the
remaining 198 consumers (i.e.19.8} got the electricity supply in the period 1991 or thereafter.
3. The study is related to the entire Seventh Plan Period, Annual Plans (1990-91 and 1991 -92) and
beginning of the Eighth Plan (i.e. 1992-93). As such, majority of the consumers, have been
selected from the period between 1381-1990 and onwards and their percentage is 70.2 as com
pared to the total number of consumer i.e. 1000.
6.5 OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY: ELECTRIC SERVICE CONNECTION
As far as possfcle the MSEB gives electrical supply connection to all those consumers, who apply for
it, in the order of the preference and tries to fulfill the demands of the consumers. But at the same
time, it is tied down by the rate of generation of electricity , on one hand and availability of the funds
on the others.
6.5.1 : ELECTRIC SERVICE CONNECTION : DIFFICULTIES
Electricity is a versatile and convenient source of energy. It is one of the most vital inputs for providing
necessary infrastructure for development not only of the Solapur district but any area for that matter.
230
The entire Solapur district is known as drought prone area. The number of its agricultural and industrial
consumers increased with the industrial and agricultural development. Considering its social importance,
large number of domestic service connections were issued by the MSEB. The MSEB releases about
20 to 25 thousand connections annually. However, there are 40 to 50 thousand pending applications
at any point of time. Hence there is a considerable pressure to release new electric service connections
especially to the agricultural consumers. But due to paucity of funds, it has not been possible for the
MSEB to satisfy the prospective consumers demand. Consumers had to face a number of problems
which are sorted out as shown in the table 6.7 below.
TABLE 6.7
TABLE SHOWING NUMBER OF CONSUMERS WHO HAD TO FACE
DIFFICULTIES IN TAKING ELECTRIC SERVICE CONNECTION
Type of consumers Total No. of Difficulties faced

consumers under study
Yes No
Agricultural 400 238 162
Domestic 400 141 259
Commercial 114 25 89
Industrial (LT) 62 24 38
Industrial (HT) 4 0 4
Public water works (PWW) 10 0 10
Street light 10 0 10
Total 1000 428 572
With the help of above table 6.7 following observations can be made.
1. It has been observed that of all the consumers of electricity, the agricultural consumers have to
face more difficulties. Out of 400 agricultural consumers, taken up as sample, as many as 238
(i.e. 59.55%) had to face many difficulties, which is to say that for the remaining 162 (40.45%)
of agricultural consumers the difficulties were not so severe as to be a problem.
2. The condtion of domestic consumers is comparatively better as only 141 (35.25%) of them had
to face some difficulties.
3. As far as the commercial and LT industrial consumers are concerned, their number is 25 (i.e.
21.92%) and 24 (i.e. 38.71%) respectively. Majority of the consumers of this category have not
come across any serious difficulties and, as such, in their cases the condition can be said to be
satisfactory.
23 l
4. Similarly, there have been no difficulties for HT industrial consumers, public water works and street
light consumers.
5. In short, apart from the agriculture sector, the works has been quite satisfactory and obviously
there have not been any major complaints reported.
Suggestions:
The MSEB should pay greater attention to solve the difficulties of the Agricultural and Commercial
consumers.
652 : ELECTRIC SERVICE CONNECTION : PERIODWISE
DIFFICULTIES ANALYSIS
It is clear from the table 6.7 that many agricutturtists had to face difficulties in getting electric service
connections The analysis be tow help to know to in which period the proportion of difficulties was more.
TABLE 6.8
TABLE SHOWING PERIODWISE DIFFICULTIES FACED BY THE CONSUMERS
OF THE MSEB (SOLAPUR CIRCLE)
Type of Total Difficulties arises

consumers consumers under Upto the end 1981 to 1990 1991and
study of 1980 onwards
Yes No Yes No Yes No
Agricultural 400 42 78 148 72 48 12
Domestic 400 15 85 91 109 35 65
Commercial 114 2 46 15 35 8 8
IndustriaKLT) 62 3 17 11 13 10 8
Total 976 62 226 265 229 101 93
Table 6.8 shows the following facts
1. Until 1980 the percentage of consumers of these four categories, who had to face difficulties, was
very low as 62 out of 288 consumers (see table 6.6) had to face some sort of difficulty.
2. The complaints are seen to increase in the following decade i.e. 1981 -90, out of 494 consumers
(265 + 229) 265 (i.e. 53.64%) consumers had to face some difficulties in getting electricity con
nection.
3. In the subsequent period (i.e. after 1990) out of 194 consumers 101 (i.e. 52.06%) consumers had
to face some difficulties and 93 (i.e. 47.94%) consumers had to face no severe difficulties.
In short, it can be observed that, the complaints in the district have increased after 1980. In the light
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of the facts that India’s economy is largely based on agriculture sector and that, in Solapur district
in particular, where there has not been much industrial development, it becomes obligatory on the
part of the MSEB to supply electric power connection to maximum number of consumers in minimum
period of time. Consequently, the irrigated farming would increase which, in turn, would be
reflected in improving finartcia condition of the fanners. In order to cope up with this situation the
MSEB has to double up its speed and efficiency and try to supply electricity facility to the
agricultural pumps at a rate than double its target.
65.3.: ELECTRIC SERVICE CONNECTION ;
TYPES OF DIFFICULTIES FACED BY THE CONSUMERS
A large number of agricultural consumers had to face many problems in getting the electric service
connection from the MSEB. Some of agricultural consumers had to wait more than five years for it.
The consumers from other categories also had to face similar problems. But, in general, most of them
could get the electricity connection within the period of six months. The table given below (6.9) shows
the number of cases from each category difficulty wise.
TABLE 6.9
TABLE SHOWING DIFFICULTIES FACES BY THE CONSUMERS •
NUMBER OF CASES FROM EACH CATEGORY
Type of Type of difficulties Total No. of

consumers Late Economical Pole not Material Economic More consumers
connection loss received difficulties harassment visits under study
in time
Agricultural 180 180 150 100 35 120 400
Domestic 115 00 70 110 70 40 400
Commercial 25 18 12 26 13 05 114
Industrial (LT) 24 20 12 10 03 00 62
Industrial (HT) 00 00 00 00 00 00 04
PWW 00 00 00 00 00 00 10
Street light 00 00 00 00 00 00 10
Total 344 218 244 246 121 165 1000
The various types of difficulties faced by the consumers of the MSEB are summarised in Table 6.9,
throw light on the following facts.
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1. Out of the 428 (see Table 6.7),cases faced the number of difficulties, 344 (i.e. 80.37%) have
suffered from the delay in getting the connection. Of these 218 (i.e. 50.93%) had to suffer a
financial loss due to untimely crops, increasing interest on the loans taken, inability to start the
business at proper and desired time etc. In short, the entire time table of the agriculture and
related commercial sector gets disturbed resulting in heavy loss.
2. Out of 428 consumers 244 (i.e.57%) of them could not get the connection for the want of poles.
As a fact, the MSEB erects poles up to the distance of 300 ft. (non-agriculture consumers) and
1000 ft. (agriculture consumers), though it recovers from the concerned consumer Rs. 1800/- per
pole, the amount being deducted from his bill later on. No interest is paid on this amount which,
in other words, means lhat the consumer is subjected to a financial loss inspite of his own initial
investment.
3. At the time of giving the electricity connection to the consumers, necessary materials are provided
by the MSEB. ft includes flexible wire, service wire, fuse, earthing wire, etc. But 246 (i.e 57.47%)
consumers could not get these items in time and later on when they got them, they had to face
many difficulties. When explanation was asked by the consumers, the common answer given by
the employees of the MSEB was that the material was not available in stock.
4. At the time of getting the electrical connection the consumers have to spend a lot of money which
they muster up by borrowing it either from a relative or from a money lender or from a bank. 121
consumer (i.e 2827%) complained that they are unnecessarily harassed and, monetarily exploited
and asked to pay unnecessarily for these items.
5. The section and subsection offices of the MSEB are mostly situated in cities or in urban area. At
the time of getting electrical connections the villagers have to pay a number of visits to the offices
at their own cost. 165 (i.e. 38.55) consumers have complained about the unnecessary trips to the
office.
The researcher recommends the following corrective steps for easier and the smoother working in
this behalf.
1. Agricultural consumers top the list of those who suffer most from the delay. Delay in getting
domestic connection cause inconvenience but no financial loss. But the agricultural, commercial and
industrial consumers have to suffer a financial loss due to delay in getting the electricity connection.
For this reason the MSEB should see that these consumers viz. agricultural, commercial and
industrial get electric connection well in time, so that they are not put to any financial loss. The
agricultural consumers should be told in advance the time likely for their getting the new connection,
234
so that they get enough time to make necessary financial and other arrangements, and if necessary,
get loan from the bank. The MSEB should also increase its target in agriculture sector so that more
and more consumers can be served.
2. As far as the non-availability of poles is concerned, it is to be noted that the use of cement poles
has now become quite common with the MSEB and the MSEB has its own pole factories. As such,
this problem can be solved easily by increasing the productivity or manufacturing capacity of these
factories.
3. It has been argued on behalf of the MSEB that the consumers are made to pay the cost of the
poles for the want of adequate funds with the Board. However, in that case, the amount of the
pole deposit has to be equal to the actual cost of the pole, not more and further, interest on this
deposit should also be adjusted in his bill.
4. The difficulties, questions and doubts of the consumers must be given due respect and prompt
response. Greater care needs to be taken to see that the consumers do not have to make
unnecessary trips to the offices situated in the urban areas. All their doubts should be cleared at
one and the same time.
5. Financial harassment must be avoided.
6.5.4. ELECTRIC SERVICE CONNECTION: PERIOD OF GETRNG ELECTRIC SERVICE CONNECTION
Those who require electric service connection are supposed to demand it in a prescribed form called
Form “A” 1. The consumer is asked to give in it all the required information such as his name,
occupation, type of service connection needed, required load etc.
The process for getting the new connection has already been discussed in detail in Chap.4. The
consumer is entitled to get a new connection within 4 months (except the agricultural consumers) only
after completing the necessary documentary formalities. Most of the times, the connection is given
directly from the pole, But in some cases, it becomes necessary to erect new poles and, in case the
transformer is already overloaded, it becomes necessary to establish a new transformer, in which case,
the delay is obvious.
235
The tables 6.10 (A) and 6.10 (B) below gives the information about Ihe time required for getting a new
connection under normal conditions, after the receiving the application by the MSEB.
TABLE 6.10(A)
TABLE SHOWING PERIOD FOR GETTING ELECTRIC SERVICE CONNECTION
(NON AGRICULTURAL CONSUMERS)
Type of Total No. PERIOD

consumers consumers
under study Within 2 To 4 5 To 6 More than
1 month months months 6 months
Domestic 400 112 211 40 37
Commercial 114 60 34 10 10
Industrial (LT) 62 22 26 2 12
Industrial (HT) 4 4 0 0 0
PWW 10 5 5 0 0
Street light 10 5 5 0 0
Total 600 208 281 52 59
TABLE 6.10 (B)- (Agricultural consumers)
Type of No. of PERIOD

consumers consumers
under Within 1to6 7to12 13to24 25to36 More
one months months months months than 36
months
w\o*k*V\
Agricultural 400 70 120 65 80 28 37
Total 400 70 120 65 80 28 37
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There has been a constant increase in the demand for electricity, however, the rate of its generation
and supply has been comparatively low and slow. As a result, it has not been possible for the MSEB
to supply electricity either immediately or within a very short period. The consumers can be given
immediate connections if there is no need for erection of new poles and H there is some load still
available with the transformer. But it is hardly the case, since most of the transformers are already
overloaded and as such, if the number of consumers on the waiting list is large, new transformers need
to be installed and new poles erected, if the site is slightly away. The complaints of delay are largely
from the agricultural consumers. Following facts can be inferred from the data collected.
1. Only 70 (i.e. 17.5%) of toe agricultural consumers got toe electrical supply within one month. But,
out of these 80% consumers belonged to toe last decade i.e. pre-1980 period.
2. 120 (i.e. 30%) agricultural consumers got toe electric supply in a period more than one month but
less than six months. Most of such consumers belong to a period between 1981 and 1990 and
only 4% of them got toe electrical connection after 1990.
3. 210 (i.e.52.5%) agricultural consumers had to wait for more than six months. These include 65
(i.e. 16.25%) consumers who had to wait from 6 months to one year, 80 (i.e. 20%) of those who
had to wait from one year to two years and 28 (i.e. 7%) of those who had to wait for two to three
years and 37 (i.e. 9.25%) consumers who had to wait more than three years.
4. It is clear that, most of toe agricultural consumers in MSEB area of toe Solapur Circle complain
about abnormal delay in getting electric service connections. Some of whom have not been able
to get connections even after five years.
5. Target of supply of agricultural connection is fixed by toe MSEB, however, toe number of applications
is so large that it has not been possible for toe MSEB to satisfy all toe applicants and supply them
electrical connections within a short period of time. Inspite of their sincere efforts there are as
many as 50,000 applications from agricultural consumers still pending with the Board by the end
of 1994. (i.e. in Solapur circle)
6. Consumers from other categories are found to have got toe electrical connection in lesser time.
The domestic consumers who got their demand for toe electrical supply, fulfilled within one month
and more than one month comes to 112 (i.e. 28%) and 211 (i.e. 52.75%) respectively.
7. Oily 77 (i.e, 1925%) of domestic consumers got the electrical supply after four months; those who
got it after waiting for a period more than six months are 37 (i.e. 9.25%).
8. 114 (i.e. 52.63%) toe commercial consumers got the supply within a month while those who got
it in more that one month but upto four months are 34 (i.e. 29.82%) of toe total number and only
237
20 (i.e. 17.5%) commercial consumers had to wait for more than four months.
9. 22 (i.e. 35.48%) LT Industrial consumers got the connection within a month; 26 (i.e.42%) of LT
consumers got it within four months while 12 (i.e. 19%) had to wait for more than six months.
10. Al the four HT industrial consumers got the connection within one month. All these consumers
are satisfied with the working of the MSEB regarding process of giving new connection.
11. All the PWW and Street Light consumers (i.e Grampanchats, Municipal Corporations and
Municipalities) got the connection within 4 months and out of these 10 (i.e.50%) consumers got
it within one month.
In short, the condition seems to be satisfactory except for the agricultural consumers. Only a few
consumers had to wait for a considerable time. K is therefore suggested that in order to improve upon
these conditions the MSEB should raise their target for agricultural supply and give top priority to the
agricultural consumers and thereby contrfcute to the agricultural as well as national development.
Similarly all possible efforts should be made by the MSEB to see that all commercial and industrial (LT)
consumers get the connection 1/2 to 1 within one month, in any case new transformers and new
substations should be established, if necessary, to make the conditions satisfactory.
6.5.5 : ELECTRIC SERVICE CONNECTIONS: CONSUMERS
PARTICIPATION IN MSEB WORK
While providing electric connection to the consumers, sometimes it is necessary to establish a new
transformer, transport and erect poles. Generally the above work of transportation of poles, digging
of holes and erection of poles, etc. is done voluntarily by the proposed consumers which leads to the
reduction of construction cost of the MSEB. In the table 6.11 below shows the local public participation
in the construction work of the MSEB is shown with reference to different types of work.
238
TABLE 6.11
TABLE SHOWING CONSUMERS PARTICIPATION IN THE PRIMARY CONSTRUCTION
WORK OF THE MSEB RELATING OF POLES

Type of No. of Transporta- Digging of Erection of
consumers consu- tion of poles /holes poles
mers
under Proposed MSEB Proposed MSEB Proposed MSEB
study consumers consumers consumers
Agricultural 303 73 230 73 230 73 230
(400-97)
Domestic 202 32 170 32 170 32 170
(400-198)
Commercial! 59 0 59 0 59 0 59
(114-55)
lndustrial(LT) 42 4 38 4 38 4 38
(62-20)
lndustrial(HT) 4 0 4 0 4 0 4
PWW 10 0 10 0 10 0 10
Street light 10 0 10 0 10 0 10
Total 630 109 521 109 521 109 521
* Where new service connection was issued from old poles such connections are deducted from number
of sample from old pole connection it is Agricultural 97, Domestic 198, Commercial 55, and Industrial
(LT) 20.
The following facts became evident from the above information.
1. The local participation in construction activities of the MSEB is very negligible. Major work
regarding transportation of poles, digging of holes and erection of poles etc. is done by the MSEB.
2. Only 109 (i.e. 17.30%) proposed consumers have offered their services voluntarily for the above
mentioned work. This has helped tiie MSEB to reduce the cost of construction and provide service
connection earlier.
3. In entire Solapur circle of the MSEB none of the proposed consumers has come forward with
readiness to work voluntarily. All the work regarding transportation of poles, digging of holes and
erection of poles was done by lie MSEB’S staff only.
239
It is therefore necessary that, all the proposed consumers come forward and do all the necessary hard
work by themselves so to reduce the transportation cost of poles and materials and relating construction
costs. This will also enable the MSEB to give sen/ice connections much faster. The MSEB must
motivate the proposed consumers and try to involve them in the construction activity so that they can
get the connection earlier.
6.5.6 : ELECTRIC SERVICE CONNECTION :
MATERIAL OF SERVICE CONNECTION PROVIDED BY THE MSEB
Consumers pay various charges to the MSEB such as security deposit, sen/ice connection charges,extra
distance charges etc. Then the MSEB provides them with materials required for giving service connection
e.g. service wire, fuse, the flexfcle pipe, earthing wire, poles etc. Out of these the cement poles is
provided by the MSEB to each consumers on deposit of Rs. 1800 per pole if necessary. But sometimes
all the items are not provided in full, due to their shortage ; under such conditions, the proposed
consumer has either to wait for the material or purchase it himself. The details regarding availability
and issuing of the material is given in the following table.
TABLE 6.12
TABLE SHOWING MATERIAL PROVIDED BY THE MSEB TO THE
PROPOSED CONSUMERS
Type of Total No. of Receiving of all materials
consumers consumer under study As per rule
Yes No
Domestic 400 367 33
PWW 10 10 00
Total 1000 875 125
240
The MSEB is expected to give the new electrical connection along with all the necessary material. But
sometimes, some of the necessary items are out of stock and this is likely to cause delay in issuing
new electrical connection. To avoid this sort of delay the proposed consumers sometimes bear the cost
of the material and purchase it from the market at their own cost. But in this regard it has been
observed that -
1. The overall condition of the MSEB in supplying electricity with all the necessary material, is quite
satisfactory. 875 (i.e. 87.5%) of the consumers got all the necessary material from the MSEB at
time of getting ttie connection.
2. Only 125 (i.e. 12.5%) consumers complain that they had to purchase some of the necessary items
from the market at their own cost. As a fact, the Board is expected to make arrangements for
the same.
3. Similarfy, 33 (i.e. 8.25%),18 (i.e 15,78%), and 14 (22.58%) of the domestic, commercial and
industrial (LT) consumers respectively, had to purchase some necessary items at their own cost.
4. 60 (i.e 15%) agricultural consumers did not receive all the material, they had to purchase it from
the market at their own cost.
From the above information it can safely be concluded that the MSEB does’nt supply all the materials
required for service connection to all the consumers all the time. Though the percentage of such
aggrieved consumers is very low, it remains a fact that such consumers exist. It is necessary on the
part of the MSEB to see that all the necessary items are always in stock and in case due to some reason
or the other, the consumer is made to purchase some material from the markets, the MSEB should
promptly make arrangements to pay the cost of these items to the consumer concerned. The
organisation such as the MSEB with a turnover of ctores, should see that its image is not distorted for
such sundry makers.
6.6 : OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY: SUPPLY OF ELECTRICITY POWER :
The MSEB always tries to meet consumers demands promptly. There has been consistent endeavour
to create additional generation capacity in order to meet the growing demands for electricity in the state.
The MSEB has erected extra high tension and high tension lines for the evacuation of power and it
is distributed through extra high tension sub-station and 33/11 kv substation. However, electricity supply
may be disturbed due to various reasons. The table given below shows the regularity/failure of
electricity. By regularity of supply we do not mean uninterrupted and constant supply for 24 hours of
the day. The failure of supply upto 1 hour in the rural areas and upto 30 minutes in the urban areas
and one or two such instances in a week, is to be treated as normal supply and interruption over and
241
above these limits is considered as failure.
TABLE 6.13
TABLE SHOWING CONSUMERS OPINION REGARDING
CONTINUITY OR OTHERWISE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY
Type of Total No. of Whether electric supply is
consumers consumers understudy continuous or not
Yes No
PWW 10 8 2
Street Light 10 10 0
Total 1000 341 659
The qualitative consideration of the work done by the MSEB includes the general or nature of the
supply, ofcourse, some allowances has to be made here for some disturbances in the supply. But the
question is how far satisfactory and regular the supply has been throughout the year. Different opinions
have been expressed in this behalf by various consumers. Following facts can be observed from the
data available and collected from the consumers (see table 6.13).
1. 320 (i.e.80%) agricultural (Ag.) consumers have stated that the supply is interrupted and disturbed
many move times than generally expected. Whereas 80 (i.e. 20%) consumers, most of them urban,
feel that the supply has been all right and there has hardly been anything to complain about.
2. 240(i.e.60%) domestic consumers have grudged about the interruption and reported disturbances
in the supply. Whereas 160(i.e.40%) of them have no complaints in this regard.
3. More then half i.e.62 (54.39%) to be exact, of the commercial consumers have complained about
the irregularity of the electrical supply whereas the remaining 52 (i.e.45.61%), most of them from
the urban area, are of the opinion that the electric supply is satisfactory.
242
4. 31 (i.e.50%) Industrial (LT) consumers feel that the supply is irregular, while the remaining 50%
are satisfied with the supply of electricity.
5. The irregularity of supply is taken for granted, to some extent at least for all categories except the
HT Industries, for whom even the slightest break in supply, say for 15 minutes only, is llcefy to
cause serious tosses. Thus, what appears to be a slight disturbance for other consumers, is a
major or serious issue for the HT Industrial consumers who have unanimously complained about
the irregular supply. They say that the supply is interrupted at least once a day and that too for
10 to 20 minutes. From the figures available, there are two consumers each from the rural and
the urban industrial (HT) sector who have complained about it.
6. PWW and street light consumers feel that the supply has been quite regular and the cases of
interruption are very rare.
7. Thus on average, 659 (65.9%) of the total numbers of electrical consumers feel that the supply
is irregular; whereas 341(i.e.34.1) of them have nothing to complain about it. The rural consumers
feet that in their area the proportion of interruption is more and even more than their expectations.
Whereas, the urban consumers don’t took at it as a serious problem.
The MSEB should see that the supply is continuous, regular and uninterrupted as for as possible.
To avoid a sudden break to the supply, all toe necessary maintenance and repairing work should
be done during the weekly holdays. The HT Industries should be given uninterrupted supply of
electricity in any case, for they are those who suffers, toe most from the irregular supply of
electricity.
6.6.1 SUPPLY OF ELECTRIC POWER : CONSUMERS COMPLAINTS - DISTANCE-WISE
ANALYSIS:
Consumers have many complaints regarding power failure, quality of powers supply, tow voltage,
transformers’maintenance, burning of fuse and link wire, billing system and bills, sag to LT lines
etc. Normally, there is only one wireman for 2 to 4 villages, and there is one compliant book for
each village, kept to toe grampanchayat office or in a particular hotel. But it is not possible for
the consumers to contact wireman immediately. Section office of the MSEB is far away from most
of toe villages. As per the MSEB rules it is necessary to approach section office for billing and
others major complaints such as faulty meter, billing and bills, incorrect meter reading etc. in such
cases it is necessary to contact the concerning officer of toe MSEB. In the table below toe distance
(to Kms.) between the consumers site and toe section office of the MSEB is given.
243
TABLE 6.14
TABLE SHOWING DISTANCE OF THE SECTION OFFICE FROM
CONSUMERS SITE
Type of Total No. 1 to 5 6 to 10 11 to 15 More than

consumers of consumers Km. Km. Km. 15 Km.
under study
Agricultural 400 120 90 120 70
Domestic 400 170 90 110 30
CommerdaJ 114 70 20 14 10
Industrial (LT) 62 25 17 11 9
Industrial (HT) 4 3 1 0 0
PWW 10 4 5 1 0
Total 1000 396 228 257 119
The irregularity of supply, the proper and time to time maintenance and repairs are the problems
more keenly felt by the rural consumers than the urban ones. In the rural area a complaint book
is provided for every village in which common complaints like failure of transformers, burnout of fuse
and link wire etc. are to be recorded by the consumers. However, for individual complaints the
consumers have to go to the MSEB office. For 396 (i.e.39.6%) consumers, the complaint office/
section office is at a distance of 1 to 5 km; (i.e. in urban area) while 228 (i.e.22.8%) consumers
have to cross over a distance of 6 to 10 Kms. to reach the MSEB office where they can lodge their
complaints. The distance of 10 Km should be treated as normal, considering the over all MSEB
procedure of work. But as many as 376 (257 + 119 i.e. 37.6%) consumers have to cross over a
distance of up to 10 Km. only to lodge a complaint or to get some work done. Much of their money
and precious time is spent over this and further atleast 119 (i.e.11.9%) consumers have to go more
than 15 Km. to reach the MSEB offce for lodging their complaints. In some cases it is even more
than 20 Km.
It is from the agricultural and domestic consumers that most of the complaints have been received.
Since they are those who are most affected by the irregular electrical supply. Most of the complaints
from the domestic consumers are aoout bills and maintenance of transforms (especially form rural
areas).
244
The main remedy for all this is to appoint one wireman for each village. As is laid down in the MSEB
norms, 1963, for recruitment, there should be one wireman for at least 400 consumers, so that the
consumers can contact him as and when necessary and he would be able to carry out his responsibility
more satisfactorily. It would also control illegal theft of electrical energy and he can be held solely
responsible for the instances, if any.
6.6.2 SUPPLY OF ELECTRIC POWER :
CONSUMERS AND MSEB SERVICES:
Number of services are provided by the MSEB to its consumers and it tries to supply electricity
continuously and at proper voltage. But sometimes this does not become possible due to various
disturbances, such as failure of transformers, defects in 11 Kv lines, etc. generally, the MSEB takes
minimum time to rectify 11 Kv lines break-downs / defects and other repair works related to supply of
electricity. However, in all the areas the services are not provided with equal promptness, particularly
in rural areas. Following table shows the qualify of services provided to consumers (form consumers
point of view). TRSLE 6 • 1 £
TABLE SHOWING CONSUMERS COMPLAINTS ABOUT
THE MSEB’s SERVICES
Type of No. of No. of consumers Consideration

Consumers consumers satisfied/unsatisfied of the
understudy complaints-promptfy
Satisfied Dissatisfied Yes No
Agricultural 400 270 130 135 265
Domestic 400 190 210 172 228
Commercial 114 52 62 64 50
Industrial LT 62 30 32 40 22
Industrial HT 4 0 4 4 0
PWW 10 0 10 10 0
Total 1000 542 458 433 567
In comparison with the area of operation of the MSEB, the number of wireman and Sub-Engineers
Assistant-Engineers staff is very limited. At often leads to the inconvenience to consumers, especially
the rural consumers. This fact is clearly reflected in the complaints lodged by them.
245
A survey of 1000 sample cases beings out following facts.(see table 6.15)
1. As has already been pointed out in the foregoing chapter, majority of the complaints are from the
agricultural consumers category 270 (i.e.67.5%) agricultural consumers have expressed their
dissatisfaction about the maintenance and repairing section of the MSEB, whereas 130 (i.e. 32.5%)
of them find the total working of the MSEB is quite satisfactory.
2. As far as the domestic, commercial and industrial (LT) consumers are concerned, more than 50%
of them are satisfied with Ihe sen/ices offered by the MSEB; and the number of consumers
complaining about the MSEB’s working is 190 (i.e.47.5%), 52 (i.e. 45.61%) and 30 (i.e.48.38%)
respectively. However, much can be done in respect of the complaints from the rural area about
electricity bills, irregular and poor quality of supply.
3. Since the HT industrial consumers contribute more than 50% of the revenue and as their numbers
is very limited, the MSEB has already been very keen on catering to their needs and as a result,
there have been little complaints from this category (excluding HT consumers from rural areas.) Low
voltage supply of electricity is the common complaint of HT consumers in the rural area.
4. PWW and street light consumers have also expressed their general satisfaction about the services
offered to them by the MSEB as their complaints are attended to immediately by the MSEB.
5. When once complaint is registered by the consumers,it is their obvious expectation that the
necessary action is taken and the defect is removed immediately. However 433 (43.3%) consumers
feel that their complaints are immediately attended to, but 75% of the urban consumers are
included in them. At present 80% of rural consumers are of the opinion that necessary attention
is not paid to their complaints and most of the time, they have to spend one day in finding out
the wiremen and there after the work is taken over following the order of preference.
This condition can be improved upon, by appointing more Sub-Engineers, wiremen and other
relating staff (as per the MSEB recruitment norms, 1963) and by asking them to stay at the village
or town where they have to work.
6.6.3 SUPPLY OF ELECTRIC POWER : RECTIFICATION OF FAULTS
Most of the times the problems in the failure of electric power supply arise due to some defects
on the local level, which can be rectified in a short time. Such problems are called minor faults
which include disturbances caused by some minor transformation problems, burning of link and fuse
wire and problems in the distributory lines etc. Sometimes the causes lies beyond the control at
the local level e.g. break-down of 11 Kv lines, burning of transformer etc., which are called major
problems and which can be cleared by a team of wiremen/Engineer etc. After power failure the
246
concerning consumers or group of consumers lodge their primary complaint to the wiremen/section
office personally or write their complaint in the complaint book which is kept in grampanchayat
office or at any common place like a hotel. Generally, whenever the wiremen visits the villages
under his jurisdiction, he first of all takes into consideration the complaints recorded in the complaint
book and, to the maximum extent possible, he tries to remove it. Opinions from various categories
of consumers were sought consumers opinions in respect of the time required for regulating the
supply, were taken into consideration. The details of which are shown in the table 6.16 below.
TABLE 6.16
TABLE SHOWING PERIOD REQUIRED TO RECTIFY THE FAULTS
Type of Total No. of Minor fault Major fault at

Consumers consumers at local local and
under study level outside level
1to6 7to12 More 1 to 2 More than
hours hours them 12 days than 2
hours days
Agricultural 400 105 205 90 150 250
Domestic 400 150 90 160 150 250
Commercial 114 50 14 50 44 70
Industrial LT 62 26 22 14 40 22
Industrial HT 4 4 0 0 0 0
PWW 10 4 4 2 10 0
Street light 10 4 4 2 10 0
Total 1000 343 339 318 404 592
From the above table following facts can be deduced
1. Minor problems take 1 to 6 hours for necessary repairs, according to 343 (i.e.343%) consumers.
2. 339 (i.e.33.9%) consumers feel that repairing of minor fault takes 7 to 12 hours.
3. 318 (i.e.31.8%) consumers are of the opinion that even minor repairs take more than 12 hours.
4. In case of a major fault, such as fault in substation pole replacement / repairing, transformer
repairing etc. 404 (i.e.40.4%) consumers are of the opinion that it takes at least 1 to 2 days to
restore the regular supply, whereas 392 (i.e.59.2%) have stated that it takes more than two days.
The major HT industries have no complaints about minor or major repairing whereas most of the
247
agricultural consumers complain that no urgent steps or measures are taken by the MSEB to
remove the defects.
5. It has been observed that in the urban areas the faults are removed more promptly than hi the
rural areas; the reasons for which have already been discussed in our consideration of the Tables
6.14 and 6.15
This disparity can be removed only through system improvement of rural and urban areas. The
transformers should be maintained property and their working checked up from time to time. New
transformers should be erected and new substations should be established to avoid overloading
of transformers and substations. Similarly, the number of wiremen and Sub-Engineers working in
the rural areas should be increased accordingly.
6.6.4 SUPPLY OF ELECTRIC POWER : POWER FAILURE FREQUENCY
Electricity supply failure due to various reasons has already been dwelt on. The wiremen/engineers of
the MSEB together remove these defects. However, due to low frequency in voltage, electricity supply
may be discontinued at any village or even in a part of the city. Generally, the engineers of the MSEB
give top priority to the urban area as well as HT industrial sector. Due to some minor and major faults
electricity supply is discontinued. The following table 6.17 gives the frequency of instances of power
failure at various divisions of the MSEB in the Solapur District.
TABLE 6.17
TABLE SHOWING FREQUENCY OF FAILURE OF ELECTRIC POWER
SUPPLY IN THE PERIOD OF ONE WEEK
Name of the division 1 to 2 3 to 4 5 to 6 Everyday
times times times
Solapur Urban 90 20 0 10
Solapur Rural 40 100 120 35
Pandharpur 40 100 120 60
Baishi 40 70 100 55
Total 210 290 340 160
248
Defects in the distribution system are bound to lead to failure in the supply of electrical energy. But
the natural expectation of the consumers is that they should get regular and uninterrupted supply.
However, the power failure incidents due to technical problems up to some extent, are accepted by the
consumers. The opinions of the consumers regarding the average instances of failure of electrical supply
per week, point out following facts
1. Out of 1000 random sample cases taken up for study 210 (i.e.21 %) have noted that such instances
take place once or twice in week. 290 (i.e.29%) of them had stated that the supply fails 3 to 4
times. However, if the frequency of the failure in supply is limited to 1 or 2 instances per week
up to normal time (i.e. upto 1 hour in rural area and 30 minutes in urban area) it is not taken so
seriously by the consumers (excluding HT industrial consumers).
2. However, the consumers do not tolerate nor can they afford it, if the line fails for more than 5 to
6 times a week or if it goes off for a considerable period of time. 340 (i.e.34%) them claim that
there is sudden failure in supply atieast 5 or 6 times a week, whereas 160 (i.e.16%) of them
claim that the supply is interrupted at least once a day . Even the consumers from Solapur city
area, have stated that during 1993-94, and even thereafter, the supply failed atieast once a day
and that too for 15 to 20 minutes.
This clearly shows that it is essential to improve upon the quality and continuity of the electricity
supply. The MSEB has to increase its productivity and also undertake a campaign to make more
and more people aware of the need for and ways of saving electricity. This will certainly help to
reduce the gap and bridge the chasm between the production and supply of electricity to some
extent there by increase the possibility of making the supply of electricity more regular and reliable.
249
6.6.5 SUPPLY OF ELECTRIC POWER : REPLACEMENT OF TRANSFORMER FUSE/LINK WIRE
Burning of the transformer fuse and the link wire is the common fault. It is the wireman who replaces
them after receiving the complaints. But, sometimes the consumers have to spend one day in finding
out the wireman. Hence, when the wireman is not readily available it is the consumers who does the
work hinself unauthoritatively to avoid delay as is indicated in the folkjwiig table 6.18 below.
TABLE 6.18
TABLE SHOWING WORK DON® BY WIREMAN/CONSUMERS IN RESPECT OF
TRANSFORMERS FUSE AND UNK WIRE REPLACEMENT
Type of consumers Total No. of consumers Transformer fuse

under study and link wire replace by
Consumers Wireman of the MSEB
Domestic 400 80 320
PWW 10 6 4
Street light 10 6 4
Total 1000 310 690
. the consumers have stated in their replay to the questionnaire, we can deduce
following facts
1. 160(i.e.40%) agricultural consumers replace the fuse and ink wire themselves, without even informing
the wireman about it.
2. The domestic consumers, especially in the rural areas,are not much affected by the failure in the
electric power supply (either because they not totally depend on it or because they have greater
patience) and therefore they just inform the wireman and wait till he comes and replaces the fuse
or link wire. Only 80(i.e.20%) domestic consumers do the work themselves, while in the remaining
320(i.e.80%) cases the works is done by the wireman of the MSEB in due course.
250
3. Though the industrial and commercial consumers are most affected by the failure in supply of
electric power, only 24(i.e.38.70%) LT Industrial and 30(i.e.26.32%) commercial consumers replace
the fuse/link wire by themselves.
4. Since HT Industrial units have their own transformers the work of replacing fuse/link wire is done
by the trained workers or private wireman appointed by them.
5. PWW and street lighting facility are provided mainly through Grampanchayat, Municipality and
Municipal Corporation in their operating area, 12(i.e.60%) of whom manage on their own to replace
fuse/link wire.
6. In all 310(i.e.31 %) consumers do the work of replacing fuse and link wire themselves and generally
have a tendency not to lodge an official complaint about it, while 690(i.e.69.0) consumers go
through proper channel and get the necessary repairing of fuse or link wire work done through the
authorised MSEB wireman.
The above discussion makes it clear that the work of replacing fuse or link wire is done mainly either
by tie wireman or by the consumers, (from rural area especially). Majority consumers in the rural areas
replace the fuse or link wire themselves, whereas the consumers from the urban area get the work
done through the wireman of the MSEB.
Through the burning of link wire or fuse wire going off is considered a minor fault, it is necessary that
the wireman himself should do it, because he knows the risk involved it and does the work with
necessary precautions. Whereas unauthorised person doing it takes into consideration only the limited
point and has no consideration at aH for other effects or factors, and therefore most of the accidents
in the rural areas take place. For these reasons it is suggested that there should be one wireman for
each village. So that be can also look after the transformers maintenance work, side by side with the
minor defects in the area assigned to him. This will also help to reduce the instances of accidental loss
in the rural area and also sudden failure of supply of electric power arising out of some negligence in
the maintenance of the transformer.
6.6.6 SUPPLY OF ELECTRIC POWER : TRANSFORMER REPAIRING
There are some minor and major faults in the transformer. The minor faults can be rectified within a
day. But the rectification of major faults takes longer time. In the urban areas where the faults are the
rectified or transformer replaced immediately. The rural consumers have to suffer more difficulties than
the urban consumers. Sometimes during the period of major fault with the transformer there is total
darkness in the related rural area even for more than a fortnight.
251
In is recommended that this disparity between the urban and the rural area should be removed, and
in case of a major problem, the transformer should be replaced immediately irrespective of the area.
At present, this practice is followed for the urban area, while in the rural area the defective transformer
is sent for necessary repairs and until it is repaired, there is no stand by arrangement.
6.6.7 SUPPLY OF ELECTRIC POWER : REGULARITY
The MSEB occupies top position in the country regarding installed capacity of electricity generation and
energisation of pumpsets. So the power position in Maharashtra State is quite satisfactory. The MSEB
is taking every possible step to maintain satisfactory power supply position in the state. However, there
are number of constraints which affect the supply of electricity. Sometimes supply of electric power is
not upto the expectation of the consumers, especially in the rural area. Regular and continuous power
supply with proper voltage is not possible in summer period due to under utilisation of hydel and thermal
power stations. Thermal power Stations are affected due to inadequate supply and bad quality of the
coal. Hydel power Stations are affected due to shortage of water level is the dam. Hence it is not
possible to provide electricity facility properly and continuously. However, only village area is badly
affected by irregular Supply of electricity, since the MSEB always gives highest priority to urban area.
The demand of electricity is continuously increasing every year. But on the other hand the generation
capacity of the MSEB has not increased at the same rate. Another feature of change is consumption
pattern and increasing electricity consumption an agricultural, domestic and commercial sector in the
rural arPas. In Solapur circle the same situation existed.
The evacuation of Power is as important as its generation. Exha High Transmission lines. High Tension
Ikies, Sub-Transmission (Down-Stream System) lines and distribution system are erected by the MSEB.
In the Solapur circle the capacity of extra-high tension Sub-Station is adequate. The evacuation of
power is supplied to the Substations centres which are established at different parts of the Solapur
circle. However, the distribution transformers capacity in the Solapur circle is more than the capacity
of transformers in the Substations. The present transformer centres are overloaded and some of the
Substations do not have stand-by-capadties. Hence, whenever there are any breakdowns on lines or
transformer, heavy load shedding becomes inevitable. It seriously affects electricity supply given to the
consumers and results into irregularity of supply of electricity. Table 6.19 gives the seasonwise position
of the irregular supply of electric power.
252
TABLE 6.19
TABLE SHOWING SEASONWISE IRREGULARITY OF ELECTRICAL SUPPLY
Type of Total No. of consumers Irregularity of supply during
consumers under study
Summer Rainy Winter
season season season
Domestic 400 230 240 70
Industrial LT 62 50 38 10
Industrial HT 4 4 4 0
PWW 10 10 0 0
Street Light 10 10 10 0
Total 1000 694 497 180
Irregular supply of electricity is chiefly found in the summer season, but sometimes in rainy season also
the instances of irregular supply increase for the natural reasons. However, this irregularity of supply
in rainy season doesnot affect the life so seriously (especially agricultural and domestic consumers) as
it does in the summers season. In the light of the answers given in the questionnaire, most of the
consumers have mentioned that the irregularity of supply was experienced in all the seasons(especial!y
in the rural area). The above table leads us to the following conclusions:
1. 694{i.e. 69.4%) consumers have expressed their opinion that the electrical supply is irregular
especially in the summer, whereas 497 (i.e. 49.7%) consumers feel that it is so in the rainy season
as well, and only 180 (i.e. 18%) consumers have stated that the supply is irregular in winter too.
2. It is obvious that in summers and in rainy season the supply of electricity is irregular. In summer
it is due to drying of rivers and water resources (hydel projects), while in the rainy season it is due
to shortciruits caused by storms lightning and rain. 3. It can also be found that, the irregularity
supply is a common instance more in villages than in cities. In the urban area the toad shedding
and interruption in the electrical supply is quickly taken care of and there is some irregularity of
supply only in tire cases where it is inevitable. On the others hand, to the rural areas, for the lack
of HT industries, there is no serious toss and therefore, they are given second preference by the
MSEB. As a result, the irregularity of electrical supply does not affect the urban life much, though
253
LT and HT industries are affected to some extent. Agricultural consumers from the rural area suffer
more due to interrupted electricity supply.
In order to avoid the irregularity in the supply of electricity, the MSEB should make maximum use
of Thermal, Nuclear and Gas Power Stations in the summers period. For this purpose the regularity
in the supply of coal has to be cared for by the top level management to the MSEB. The consumers
realize the crisis the MSEB has to face and there are not totally against the load-shedding. They
to realize that, it is inevitable to some extent, especially in summers. But it is quite essential that
at least for the remaining part of the year (excluding the period of load shedding). The supply is
regular and uninterrupted. The MSEB should, therefore, think on these lines and make serious
efforts to fulfill these primary expectations of the consumers. Theft of the electricity should be
controlled and strict legal action should be taken against those who are proved guilty. Repair works
must be done in load shedding period. All the workers of the MSEB should work more diligently,
the repair in the rainy season should be done with urgency and the rural consumers, especially the
agricultural once, must be paid due attention. It is more necessary or vital to consider the difficulties
of the farmers in the summer, because the level of water is already low and the agricultural
pumpsets cannot work due to shortage of ground water. In such a situation, it is most unfortunate
and unexpected that the pumpsets of the agricultural consumers with ample water resources should
lie idle for want of adequate electricity supply. The MSEB should do all that is possfole to avoid
such inconvenience of the agricultural consumers.
254
6.6.8 SUPPLY OF ELECTRIC POWER : EFFECTS OF IRREGULARITY
Irregular supply of electricity adversely affects different types of consumers. Agricultural, Commercial and
Industrial (LT and HT) consumers have to suffer some monetary loss due to the disturbances in the
electrical supply. Domestic, public water work and street light sections don’t have to suffer any economic
or monetary loss, but such type of consumers have to face inconvenience in private and social life. The
various domestic problems which give rise to physical as well as psychological upset such as -
1. One feels lonely as the tape-recorder, radio and TV are silent. The old people find life unbearable
without entertainment.
2. If there is no light at night, the students can’t study at hence.
3. The housewives, especially the employed ones, cannot use electrical appliances such as the mixer,
domestic oven, wash rig-machine, refrigerator etc. and have to suffer much inconvenience.
4 There is also fear of thefts and robberies during night are caused by irregularity of the electrical
supply.
Darkness on roads, drinking water problem created after stoppage of electricity supply at public water
works and street light level. It means all the consumers are badly affected, if the frequency of irregular
supply of electricity is more. This problem is more severe in villages/rural areas as compared to urban
areas following data provides us with information about the number of consumers affected irregular
supply and also about the extent of their economic loss.
TABLE 620
TABLE SHOWING ECONOMIC EFFECTS OF IRREGULARITY SUPPLY OF
ELECTRICITY ON THE CONSUMERS

Category of consumers No. of Adverse Economic loss
consumers effects (Rs. in thousand)
under Yes No 1to10 11to20 21to30 More

study than 30
Agricultural 400 356 44 340 13 2 1
Commercial 114 102 12 102 0 0 0
Industrial (LT) 62 54 8 54 0 0 0
Industrial (HT) 4 4 0 0 0 0 4
Total 580 516 64 496 13 2 5
255
The irregular electrical supply results into considerable economic/monetary loss on the part of the
consumers. The detailed information given above throws light on the facts stated betow-
1. 580 random sample cases taken up for consideration out of these 516 (i.e.88.97%) consumers have
to suffer from the loss due to irregular electric supply Whereas only 64 (i.e. 11.03%) consumers
are those who not much affected by it.
2. Agricultural consumers are those who suffer most and their percentage too is as high as 89% (i.e.
356 consumers out of 400) and remaining 11% of the agricultural consumers (i.e. 44) do not suffer
by any economic loss due to irregular supply of electric power.
340 (i.e. 95.50%). Consumers suffer by loss to the extent of Rs. 1000 to 10,000 and those whose
loss is above Rs. 10,000 are very few in number, and hence negligfcle.
3. 102 (i.e. 90%) commercial consumers have to suffer monetary loss ranging between Rs. 1000 to
10,000 due to irregular electrical supply. The situation in case of industrial consumers (LT) is in
no way different.
4. The MSEB gives top priority to the HT consumers as they contribute most to the MSEB income
and therefore the MSEB tries its most to provide them with regular electrical supply. Yet inspite
of their efforts 100% of the HT consumers are adversely affected by the irregular electrical supply.
In order to understand the severity of the problem, the example of Shri. Jagdamba Co-operative
Spinning Mill, Madha, can be sited. The management of this spinning mill is of the opinion that
if the electric power supply is regular the capacity utilisation will be between 82 and 95.89% to
67% ; as a result, only 67% of its capacity is utilised and there is a loss in capacity of 15 to 28%
which leads to the rise in the cost of production and ultimately to the company’s loss, as shown
below-
Project cost of the Spinning Mill- Rs.10.60 crores.
a. Interest-per hour Rs. 1107
b. Labour charges-per hour Rs. 571
c. Other administration charges-per hour Rs. 467
Total expenses per hour Rs. 2145
(Ref. Compiled from office record of S.J.C.S.M, Madha )
This makes the fact clear that if the electrical supply is interrupted for an hour, there is loss of Rs. 2,145
on the part of mill. The register entries of the mill give us following information about the interruption
of the electrical supply.
256
TABLE 6.204A)
TABLE SHOWING IRREGULAR ELECTRICITY SUPPLY AND LOSS
OCCURED (SJCS. MILL )
Period Mill hours tost Loss occured Interruption
due to irregular (Rs. to lakh) to supply
electricity supply average per day
(in minutes)
1. Jan. 1987 to Aug. 1992 4000 hrs. 85.80 115
2. 26/8/93 to 20/10/93 18 hrs. 0.39 1929
3. 01/01/94 to 31/05/94 82.11 hrs. 1.76 32.65
4. 15//07/94 to 28/10/94 72.50 hrs. 1.55 41.22
Source - Compiled from office record of Mill Shri. Jagdamba Co-operative ginning Mill, Madha.
The above information has been sent by the mill to the Solapur circle office of the MSEB as well as
to Head Office of the MSEB, at Bombay and State Government. Above Co-operative Spinning Mill has
demanded subsidy and compensation from the State Government and the MSEB. However, the request
of the mill has been refused by the MSEB on the grounds that 90% of the agricultural consumers do
not use capacitor, which affects the voltage. Whereas the mill officials claim that only 67% of the total
number of bobbins can be used. Similar complaints have also been received from other HT consumers.
The total load of the mill is 1470 KVA, but due to tow voltage, 960 to 980 KVA only can be used, as
a result some of the bobbins have to be kept off.
6.6,9 SUPPLY OF ELECTRIC POWER : VOLTAGE FLUCTUATION
Irregular electrical supply and voltage fluctuation are not one and the same thing. By irregular supply
mean some interruption in the electrical suppiy;^ while, by voltage fluctuatibrftfsafthe desired voltage
is not obtained, due to some reason or the other even though there is no interruption or break in the
supply. Thus, the supply can be regular yet at low voltage. For example, for agricultural consumers the
desired voltage is 440 voltage, but actually it can be between 300 to 440 v. Which means that the
supply is continuous and uninterrupted but the pumpset can't operate due to such a tow voltage.
Similarly, for domestic connections the expected voltage is 230 v, but as the actual voltage is tower,
sometimes the tubes do not light up, TV shows lines or straps on the screen or the pictures are not
clear or of good quality. These instances take place more in the summer. When there is more demand
257
and less production ot electricity. This is what makes it obligatory on the part of the MSEB to take up
such measures as toad-shedding to strike some balance between the demand aid supply of electricity.
Table 6.21 shows the seasonwise voltage fluctuation problem.
TABLE 6.21
TABLE SHOWING SEASONWISE VOLTAGE FLUCTUATION PROBLEMS
(LOW VOLTAGE)
Type of consumers Total no. of Problems of Main tow voltage season
consmers under low voltage felt
study Yes No Summer Rato Winter
Agricultural 400 300 100 230 - 70
Domestic 400 240 160 170 - 70
Commercial 114 80 34 80 0 0
Industrial (LT) 62 50 12 45 0 5
Industrial (HT) 4 4 0 4 0 0
PWW 10 6 4 6 0 0
Total 1000 686 314 541 0 145
The following observation can be made, from the information given by the consumers. (Table 6.21)
1. Low voltage is a serious problem for 686 (i.e. 68.6%) consumers while for the remaining 314(i.e.
31.4%) consumers don’t have much serious problem in this respect.
2. Out of 686 consumers 541 (i.e. 78.86%) consumers state that this problem is acute especially in
summer while the remaining 145 (i.e. 21.4%) consumers relate it to winter especially.
3. The tahsils Ike Madha, Akkakot, Sangola and Mangalwedha come under drought-prone area and
obviously most of the wells in this region are either completely or almost dried up and as such,
the question of low voltage affection the agricultural consumers doesn’t arise, since even if the
voltage were property maintained, they won’t feel the need for and won’t be in a position to operate
their pumpsets. But they feel the problem of low voltage seriously when it occurs during the period
between October and February which is the crop-season or peak period for them. This is the period
of hectic agricultural activity and almost all the pumpsets in this area are at work in this period
in particular. Therefore, for 23% (i.e. 70 out of 300) of the agricultural consumer low voltage in
winter becomes a problem.
258
4. The problem of tow voltage mainly and badly affects the agricultural activity. The water level is
very towTnthe summer and if this problem is accompanied by the problem of tow voltage, at the
same time, even if some pumpsets work, there is a great possibility of their bum out which puts
the farmer to a double toss. All the consumers from this area are in no way against load-shedding
but, on the contrary, they say that the period of load-shedding may be increased from one day per
week to two days a week, if necessary; but the supply has to be at proper voltage and regular
for the remaining five days of the week. But in the summer, this doesn't happen. They cannot water
their crops at regular intervals and this in turn spoils the crops, their quality or quantity or both,
causing a great toss to the fanners. In all 300(i.e.75%) farmers suffer from such a loss, out of these
230(i.e. 76.67%) consumers suffer the problem of tow voltage in summer, while 70(i.e. 23.33%)
consumers suffer from this problem in the winter period also.
5. The commercial and domestic consumers likewise suffer from the tow voltage, since their electrical
appliances either don't work and, if at all they work, they don’t work properly which spoil their
appliances causing a heavy toss. 240 (i.e. 60%) domestic and 80 (i.e. 70.18%) commercial
consumers have suffered from such a toss.
6. In the period of tow voltage machines in the factory (LT and HT industrial consumers) cant be
worked to their maximum capacity, e.g. In the illustration already taken for explanation viz. Shri.
Jagdamba Co-operative Spinning Mill at Madha, only 67% bobbin could be put to work due to tow
voltage and the actual toad was only 950 to 960 KVA instead of 1470 KVA, which caused the mill
a heavy toss. There have been many complaints of similar type from other industrial consumers
and, more so, in the year Jan. to Dec. 1994.
7. The villages using the tube lights for street-lighting complain that the tube lights up until 10.p.m
and when they do, most of the life activity is over and people are getting ready to sleep. In short,
there is no light on the streets, when it’s most essential. This happens especially, in the summer
season.
Low-voltage complaints are more from the rural areas than the urban ones, which means that the
MSEB pays more attention to the urban areas (i.e. city) than the rural ones. This creates an ill-
will in the minds of the villagers about the MSEB since the rates of tariff are same for both.
Therefore, the MSEB should try to remove this imbalance and partiality in their outlook and treat
all consumers (whether from cities or villages) alike.
Similarly, the HT industrial consumers must get the supply both regular and at desired voltage. The
allowed and the actual toad of electricity of such consumers should be checked from time to time.
259
The fluctuations in the supply cause a great loss to the consumers. So also the villagers coming
under bad-shedding area, prefer using bubs instead of the tube lights, under bw voltage condition,
they find tube Sight useless as means of lighting on the other hand bulbs are more useful. As such
the attempts to persuade the villagers to save electrial energy by using more tube lights are fruitless
if proper voltage is not maintained. Therefore, maintenance of proper voltage is both essential as
well as beneficial for MSEB.
6.6.10 SUPPLY OF ELECTRIC POWER : POWER FACTOR AND USE OF CAPACITOR :
Power factor is cosine of the phase angle between the phase voltage and phase current. “If the current
lags the voltage the power factor is lagging; if it leads the voltage the power factor is leading and
if it is in phase the power factor is unity 1”. For maintaining of good quality of power, it is necessary
to maintain the power factor in unity. Actually it never happens (i.e. unity power factor). In order to
maintain the unity or leading power factor regularly, the capacitors are most essential whbh are to be
set up by the agricultural and industrial consumers at their site as well as in the transformer and
substation centers by the MSEB. It means the capacitor is very important electrical instrument useful
for improving the quality of power.
All the agriculturists and industrialists use the bductbn motors as a drive and inductive bad; hence
power factor becomes lagging poor, and il becomes necessary to improve the power factor with the help
of a capacitor. Improvement of power factor reduces the cost of production and it ultimately affects the
level of net profit (especially in the industrial sector).
At light bad the power factor becomes poor in case of distribution transformer supplying lightning bad.
Therefore, it is most essential to establish a capacitor of the panel board of the distributbn transformer.
CAUSES OF LOWER POOR POWER FACTOR :
1. At light bad the power factor becomes poor (in case of distribution transformer).
2. Alternative current motors (AC motor) can operates at bw power factor, means lagging and thus
the power factor decreases b bad.
3. In the off-peak period power factor decreases, because of voltage increase due to light bad and
so current increased is drawn by the inductive equipments such as AC motor, transformer, heating
furnaces chock etc.
4. Industrial heatbg furnaces operates at poor power factor.
5. Improper maintenance of and repairs of electrical equipments e.g. less wire used at the time of
rewinding of motor.
EFFECTS OF LOWER/POOR POWER FACTOR :
260
Due to the low or poor power factor, increased current flows in the circuit, it results in the following.
1. More copper loss in the transformer which decreases the efficiency of distribution system.
2. It increases the cost of line-and-support in transmission line.
3. Low power factor results in more voltage drop across conductors.
4. Low power factor requires increased size of transformers, bus bars and prime mover.
5. Burning of electrical equipments etc.
Thus the low or poor power factor leads to high capital cost for alternation, switches gears, transformers,
transmission and distribution lines, cables etc.
Capacitor - A capacitor plays a very vital role in order to avoid the disadvantages of low power factor.
A capacitor is used for the purpose of improving the power factor and it creates or maintains goods
quality of electrical power.
Capacitor is nothing but two conducting surfaces separated by a layer of dielectric, (insulating material).
The purpose of capacitor is to store the electrical energy by electrostatic stress in the dielectric. This
is the device for improving the power factor. Hence the MSEB has made it compulsory for the industrial
and agricultural consumers to establish a capacitor on their panel board at the time of taking new
electric service connection. However, this point is not taken so seriously by the consumers, (especially
agricultural consumers). Majority of the agricultural consumers set up or fit a capacitor at the time of
taking new connection but there after, it is removed. It is also pointed out by the govt, of Maharashtra,
that 90% agricultural consumers are not using the capacitor, hence the problem of tow power factor
comes up.
The details regarding the use of capacitors by different categories of consumers are given in the Table
622 below.
TABLE 622
TABLE SHOWING THE NUMBER OF CONSUMERS USING CAPACITORS
Type of consumers Total of No consumers Use of capacitors
under study Yes No
PWW 10 10 0
Total 476 178 298
261
Following observation can be made from the information given in table 622
1. Out of 400 agricultural consumers under study 270 (i.e.67.5%) consumers are not using the
capacitor. However, establishment of capacitors is the essential and compulsory for this category.
But capacitors are removed by such consumers. This fact also accepected by the government of
Maharashtra and the MSEB. Only 130 (i.e. 32.5%) agricultural consumers are understand the
importance of capacitor and they using it.
2. Out of 62 Industrial (LT) consumers under study 28 (i.e. 45.16%) consumers are stated that they
does not think seriously about importance of capacitors and it is not established by them .
3. All the Industrial - (HT) and PWW consumers which are under study are using the capacitors and
make supplementary efforts regarding improving the quality of power.
It means agricultural consumers and industrial (LT) consumers (especially from rural area) are does
not understand the utility and importance of capacitors and it is not established in there panel
board. However, it is neccesary to establishment of capacitor in the consumers site as well as in
the distributary transformer in order to improve the quality of power and ultimately maintaining the
proper voltage level. The MSEB must strictly follow the rule regarding fitting of capacitor in the
panel board; those, who remove it, they should by penalysise and the employees of the MSEB must
consider this factor very seriously.
6.6.11. SUPPLY OF ELECTRIC POWER : LOSS OF ELECTRICAL
APPLIANCES DUE TO LOW VOLTAGE OR INADEQUATE LOAD
Ifs a common complaint from the consumers that instances of sudden fluctuations in the voltage of
the electrical supply leads to heavy losses. If the voltage is low certain appliances and equipment won’t
work at all; while some other would work at a low/slow speed and when suddenly the voltage is restored
it goes up easily before it attains the normal level. Naturally the instruments and applicances turned
to low level cannot bear this extra load resulting. This more so with toe lamps and tube lights. Even
there are reports of TVs, electric motors and refrigerators damaged for this reason, causing a heavy
loss to the owner. The details of which are given below in Table 6.23
262
TABLE 6.23
TABLE SHOWING BURNING OF ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES / EQUIPMENT
/ MACHINERY ETC. DUE TO INADEQUATE LOAD
(DURING THE PERIOD OF 1992-93 AND 1993-94)
Category of consumer Total No. of Electric motor, Bubs/Tubes

consumers pumpset, etc.
under study equpment.
Domestic 400 5 235
PWW 10 6 6
Total 1000 270 600
The for going discussion and table make following fact evident :
1. 220 (i.e. 55%) agricultural consumers suffered the loss in Ihe form of damage caused to their
electric motors due to inadequate electric supply (burning of coils).
2. 25 (i.e. 400%) LT Industrial consumers have complained that their costly applicances equipment
and apparatus were damaged.
3. 4 (i.e. 100%) HT industrial consumers have also complained of similar damage to their electric
motors.
4. 6 (i.e. 60%) PWW (Public water works) also get their electric motors damaged for the same reason.
However, there are maximum complaints from the domestic and commercial consumers about fused
bulbs and domestic applicances gone out of order.
6.6.12. SUPPLY OF ELECTRIC POWER : CONSUMERS COMPLAINTS AND LOW VOLTAGE
Generally very few consumers of the MSEB in solapur circle complain against tow voltage and damages
caused by it. However, it is the responsibility of the MSEB to provide uninterrupted electrical supply
with proper voltage. But in fact, it is not so, especially in the summer, and particularly, in the rural area.
Due to tow voltage, sometimes electric motors, bulbs, tubes, machines and other electrical applicances
263
are burnt. This damage is suffered by the consumers who generally blame the manufacturer and quality
of the product but do not lodge any complaint against MSEB. The officers of the MSEB do not take
necessary care to provide electricity at proper voltage particularly in the rural area. They do not give
any satisfactory answer to the consumer in this respect. Most of the consumers of the MSEB don’t
have any major objections against the existing rates of tariff, but their main complaint is that the MSEB
hasn’t taken proper steps to maintain proper and satisfactory power supply through out the year and
all over the state without making any discrimination between the urban and rural area.
The table given below provides us with die data regarding the reactions of the consumers and their
opinion as to whether the MSEB has taken necessary steps to improve the quality of the the electrical
supply.
TABLE 6.24
TABLE SHOWING NUMBER OF CONSUMERS COMPLAINTS AND STEPS TAKEN BY
THE MSEB IN ORDER TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF ELECTRICAL POWER
Type of No of Complaint made Steps taken by the MSEB
consumers consumers having tow Yes No No New New System
voltage Resp- Trans- Subst- improvement
problem onse famer ation work
Agricultural (400) 300 120 180 70 14 0 36
Domestic (400) 240 140 100 122 2 0 16
Commercial (114) 80 15 65 15 0 0 0
Industrial (LT) (62) 50 30 20 22 2 0 6
Industrial (HT) (4) 4 4 0 0 0 0 4
PWW (10) 6 6 0 6 0 0 0
Street light (10) 6 6 0 6 0 0 0
Total 686 321 365 241 18 0 62
Note - Bracket figures indicates total number of consumer under study.
The following information is derived from table 624
1. Out of die 1000 consumers contacted and surveyed 686 (i.e. 68.6%) have complained about tow
voltage (see table 6.21) (especially to summer) whereas 321 (i.e. 46.79%) of them have actually
lodged complaints to that effect.
264
2. 120 (i.e. 40%) agricultural, 140(i.e.58)% from the domestic 15(i.e.19%) of the commercial and
30(i.e.60%) of the LT industrial and all of the HT industrial consumers and PWW and street light
consumers have complained to the MSEB against low voltage and about their loss. Considering
their high percentage, the MSEB should take serious view of them.
3. Though consumers from all categories have lodged complaints about low voltage, it is only the HT
consumers whose complaints immediately entertained and promptly acted upon.
4. 241 (i.e. 75.07%) consumers complaints are not duly cared for and simply the answers such as,
the voltage has been so low due to poor supply from higher lavel/substation/Extra high voltage
substation etc.” are hurled on the face of the consumers and that too orally. The survey makes
it clear that the MSEB has taken due cognigence of the complaints made by 18 (i.e. 5.60%)
consumers and erected new transformer where necessary. While on the basis of 62 (i.e. 19.31%)
consumers complaints the MSEB has done some work of system improvement and sometimes, it
has just given some vague promises to form a new substations.
All this makes it clear that the MSEB hardly pays due attention to the consumers complaints and
at times, this negligence on the part of the MSEB has resulted into the instances of the burning
of the pumpsets/transformer etc. It often results in serious loss to the consumers of all categories
such as the agriculturist's crops are affected, industries can’t be run to their fullest capacities and
LT industrial consumers are also put to same kind of loss. In order to avoid these and other such
instances the MSEB much consider its prime duty to supply electricity at proper voltage and take
some immediate or urgent measures towards proper execution. THe control on theft of electricity,
proper maintenance of the transformers, system improvement work, saving of electricity etc. are the
point on which the MSEB can educate and guide the consumers. But at the same time, the MSEB
must erect, as per requirements, new transformers and new substations, must take due cognigence
of the consumers complaints and must give them satisfactory explanations or answers and there
by save itself from further serious troubles.
6.6.13 SUPPLY OF ELECTRIC POWER : INSURANCE OF ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
‘Uncertainty' is the main feature of the modem life. There are so many risks and uncertainties involved
in business and private life. Insurance covers the risks involved in private as well as in business life.
Insurance is a contract and it is based on uncertainty, it depends on the happening of a specific event.
If the specific event happens in the specific period, the insurer gives a compensation to the insured
equal to the actual loss sustained due to happening of the specified event. ‘Insurance’ is a very
important factor in the life of agricultural, PWW and industrial (LT and HT) consumers. Because these
265
consumers always face a number of problems related to their costly electrical equipment. Many
consumers complain that their pumpsets/machines had burned due to fluctuation in voltage and other
reasons. Repairing such pumsets/machines requires the large amount, sometimes the loss may be
heavy enough to cripple the business. So it is necessary to insure such important equipments. But the
concept of ‘Insurance’ is not understood very well by the agricultural the industrial (LT) and the PWW
consumers. The number of consumers taking the benefit of insurance scheme is given below in Table
6.25.
TABLE 6.25
TABLE SHOWING THE NUMBER OF CONSUMERS WHO HAVE INSURED
THEIR ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENTS
Type of consumers Total No.of consumers Insurance taken

under study
Yes No
PWW 10 0 10
Total 476 12 464
It goes without saying that insurance offers a protective cover to the consumers goods, production, and
even his machinery; however, very few of them have availed of it. The above table 6.25 illustrates
following points.
1. As far as the agricultural, industrial (LT and HT), and PWW consumers are concerned, the
percentage of consumers insuring their electric motors, machinery and other equipment etc. is very
low.
2. Only four out of the large number of agricultural consumers (400) have insured their pumpsets and
their proportion comes to only 1% of the total agricultural consumers. In other words, 99% of the
agricultural consumers haven't insured their pumpsets and electrical equipment and most of them
don’t even know that pumpsets can be insured.
3. only 4 (i.e. 6.45%) industrial (LT) consumers have insured their motor/machinery whereas remaining
58 (i.e.93.55) consumers haven't sought the benefit of insurance and its protective facility. Most
266
o! the LT industrial consumers in the rural areas don’t know much about the insurance schemes.
4. Since the capital investment in HT industries is large, the HT consumers are found to get greater
advantage of the various insurance schemes, covering most of their valuable instruments and
machines, whereby they find themselves in a secured position. In case of toss of any machinery
items due to irregular and fluctuating voltage, they can claim and get the compensation from the
insurance compary. Due to ther heavy investment the HT consumers are fond to be more cautious
and this to reflected in their 100% take the benefit of insurance.
5. PWW should, as a fact, the cover of insurance but none of the consumers to found to have insured
the motor-pumpsets.
6. In all, out of 476 consumers only 12 (i.e. 2.52%) consumers have insured their electrical equipments
and remaining 464 (i.e. 97.48%) haven’t done so and most of whom even don’t know about such
insurance schemes applicable to their pumpsets /equipments.
No doubt, the consumers with insurance facility have to pay the premium for it, but in return, the
entire machinery to protected or secured and in case of toss the insurance company pays
compensation for the toss. Therefore, the consumers of all the categories should get Iheir equipment
and appliances insured. The MSEB as well as the insurance companies also need to take initiative
in educating and orientating the consumers for it.
267
6.6.14 : SUPPLY OF ELECTRIC POWER : MAINTENANCE OF TRANSFORMERS.
In the large and complicated network of electrical supply the importance of a transformer can’t be denied
in electrical network. It is the transformer which is chiefly responsible for the reliable, uninterrupted and
regular supply of electricity to the consumers scattered all around. The distribution systems have
enormously increased and expanded. The demand for power too is increasing day by day and so is
the number of transformers and the load on each of them. The life of distribution transformers is
estimated to be 35 years upto 100 KVA and 25 years for higher capacities as per schedule VIII of the
Indian Electricity Act 1948. However, it can be improved by keeping proper maintenance of transformers
as per the schedule. But it is observed that schedule of maintenance of transformers is not followed
strictly in the Solapur circle. (Transformer maintenance schedule is already explained in the chapter four-
Table4.7). This affects the reliability of power supply adversely. The transformers are checked by the
engineers/wireman of the MSEB perhaps only when it goes out of order and develops any fault. The
present rate of transformer failure is approximately 11% (in the year Jan.to Dec. 1994) but it can be
reduced by proper and timely maintenance. This rate is much higher than that in the advanced
countries, where it is about only 1 to 2 %. It is,therefore, necessary to bring down the transformer
failure rate and reduce the financial losses by taking corrective steps. For this purpose new recruitment
should be made for special maintenance of transformers according to the Field Staff Nonas 1963.
6.6.15 : SUPPLY OF ELECTRIC POWER : CONDITION OF TRANSFORMER FUSE
A fuse in the distribution transformer is a very minor but important part. At one end it is connected
to the transformer and at the other end to the supply line. It is fixed on the panel board side by side
with the transformer. The distribution of tie electrical supply or its stoppage depends on the condition
of the fuse. If the fuse is in good condition, the supply is continuous but when there is any short circuit
in tiie line-transformer, excessive heat is produced, as a result of which the fuse wire melts away and
Vie supply is immediately stopped and our electrical appliances are saved from burning. Similarly, when
some repairing woik is to be done on the distribution lines, the transformer fuses can be taken out or
switched off and the staff can work with safety. Thus a fuse serves a dual purpose. But it is important
to note here that replacing fuse is a ris«y job and should be done only by a trained wireman with
protective gloves on . However, in practice most of the agricultural consumers run the risk of doing
the work by themselves instead of asking the wiremen to do it. After receiving the complaints from
consumers, the wireman reconnects the fuse or the link wire. In rural areas the number of wiremen
is less than the actual requirements; hence one wiremen has to look after more than two or three
villages. So, it is not possible to get the fuses restored immediately. Sometimes there is a likelihood
268
of short-circuit and in such cases, the entire system needs to be checked before the fuses are
reconnected. So also, there is a danger of some wires remaining open or naked and it is the wireman
who is trained to detect these defects and protect himself from these dangers. When an untrained
persons tries to replace the fuses or the fuse wire/link wire,there is a possibility of some serious
accident taking place and it is always better and safer to leave the work for the wireman to do. In
rural areas the consumers are impatient, they know that finding the wireman would take much time and
they can’t bear their toss caused by delay aid hence they do the work by themselves sometimes
knowing and sometimes not knowing risk involved in it. But they should realise that human life is more
valuable lhat the toss that may be caused by delay. The table given below informs us about the opinion
of the consumers about the condition of the fuses.
TABLE 6J26
TABLE SHOWING NUMBER OF CONSUMERS RECONNECTING THE
TRANSFORMERS FUSE AND LINK WIRE
Type of consumers Total No .of Condition of Fuse

consumers
under study Good Broken Direct Supply
without fuse Cap
Domestic 400 130 240 30
Industrial (LT) 62 30 28 4
Industrial (HT) 4 4 0 0
PWW 10 4 6 0
Total 1000 324 590 86
The supply of electricity is often interrupted as the panel fuse bums or melt away. The above table
shows that the majority of the transformer fuses are not of good quality or in good condition. Following
observations can be made in this behalf.
269
1. 100 (i.e. 25%) agricultural consumers state that the fuses in Ihe transformers in their area, are in
good condition. While the fuses in the transformers in area of 260 (i.e. 65%) consumers are
reported to be either completely or partiallay broken. 40 (i.e. 10%) agriculture have stated that
fuses in the panel board of the transformer centres in their areas are missing and instead the two
ends are connected directly.
2. In the villages and towns proper, domestic, commercial, industrial (LT) and street light consumers
live together and therefore the condition of transformer fuses is good. The percentage of the
consumers reporting about good-fuse condition category-wise is 130 (i.e. 32.5%) 52 (i.e. 45.61%),
30 (i.e. 48.39%) and 4 (i.e. 40%) consumers respectively. Whereas that of those reported about
broken fuses are 240 cases of the 240 broken fuses (i.e. 60%), 50 (i.e. 43.86%), 28 (i.e.45.16%)
and 6 (i.e. 60%) respectively (in order of domestic, commercial, Industrial (LT), and Street light
resp.). The remaining consumers state that there is no fuse caps at all, but merely two wires are
connected directly on the two ends of the fuses.
3. 4 (i.e. 40%) PWW consumers state that fuses are all right and 6 (i.e. 60%) of consumers state
that fuses are broken.
4. HT industrial consumers have nothing to complain about the fuses.
5. In all 324 (i.e. 32.4%) consumers have reported about the good fuses 590 (i.e. 59%) about the
broken fuses, while 86 (i.e. 8.6%) reported about the absence of fuse caps in the transformer
centre of their area.
Majority of the fuses in the rural area are broken. But this increases risk and possibility of accidents.
To avoid it the consumers from the rural area especially, those from MaJshiras, Velapur, Mangalwedha,
Sangola, Madha and Barshi have collected the funds in the form of individual contribution and put in
new fuses in the transformer on their own and at their own expenses.
In fact, the MSEB with a larger budget and total turnover as much as that of the state, is not expected
to be so negligent about the work; but it’s a fact that this is so and none can deny it. As a fact, it
is a part of regular maintenance that the fuses be replaced and restored. The instances to avoid such
responsibility is as good as inviting serious accidents and hence such instances should be stopped. The
only remedial measure suggested is to increase the number of wiremen, Sub-Engineers and to see that
all the broken fuses are replaced by them from time to time. Under existing conditions, we can deduce
that the maintenance of the transformers and its fuses (by the MSEB) is far from satisfactory in time
and manner of the work.
270
6.6.16 : SUPPLY OF ELECTRIC POWER : SAG IN LT UNES
LT lines start from distributory transformer centre and reach upto the consumers. Some defects in it
can lead to discontinuity of the electrical supply, improper sag on the lines can also prove dangerous.
If there is more sag on them it is quite likely that the nasty winds bring two LT wires so close that
they touch each other and there is a spark and even a glow of fire. In order to prevent such accidents,
it is quite essential that the wires have enough tension and there is not much sag on them. The table
given below throws light on the existing conditions in this behalf.
TABLE 6.27
TABLE SHOWING THE CONSUMERS OPINIONS ABOUT THE SAG IN THE LT UNES
Type of consumers Total No.of consumers Sag in LT Lines

under study
Yes No
Domestic 400 50 350
PWW 10 2 8
Street light 10 2 8
Total 1000 165 835
The above table leads us to following conclusions.
1. As far as the LT lines wire-condition is concerned 835 (i.e. 83.5%) consumers feel that it is
satisfactory where as 165 (i.e. 16.5%) consumers are of the opinion that the tension and the sag
is not carefully observed; as there is more sag than is necessary, it often causes interruption in
the electrical supply.
2. The consumers in the urban areas have no comolaints in this behalf.
3. All the consumers complaining about the over saged lines are mostly from the rural area.
The MSEB must look after very carefully the system improvement work and maintain proper tension
on the lines so as to reduce the possibility of accidents. It must also trim Ihe trees near the LT
lines.
271
6.7 : OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY : ELECTRIC BILUNG.
The MSEB started its working in June 1960 and was mainly engaged in the task of generation,
transmission and distribution of electricity. From its inception the meter tariff system was accepected
for charging the bills of electricity consumption for different types of consumers. This policy of meter
tariff was changed by the Government and the MSEB, by excluding the agricultural consumers from
meter tariff system with specific intention giving some concessions to the agricultural consumers.
In July 1977, Government of Maharashtra took the decision of making available optional tariff (Horse
power/or metered tariff) to the agricultural consumers in the state. It is also called as “Flat Rate Tariff
System”, where electricity bill or tariff is fixed on Horse-power basis without considering the actual
consumption of electricity. No doubt this decision was very beneficial to the agriculturist community.
But implementation of this scheme has adversely affected the profitability of the MSEB. Due to flat
rate system, agricultural consumption has increased and agriculturists started consuming electricity
unrestrictedly. But, with the application of the optional flat rate tariff the revenue decreased considerably.
The agricultural consumers are free to choose any system either metered consumption or flat rate tariff
i.e. House Power method. Most of the agricultural consumers in the Maharashtra state including
Solapur circle have opted for the flat rate tariff system. In the Solapur circle, total number of agricultural
consumers was 120,163 (by the end of 1992-93) and it was further increased to 124,998; out of these
near about 93% agricultural consumers have accepted the flat rate tariff system. But the profitability
of the Solapur circle was seriously affected as the Solapur circle of the MSEB is predominated by
agricultural consumers. Out of the total connected load, 56.87% KW electric load was connected to
agricultural consumers alone. (March 1994 figures). The flat rate tariff has increased the demand for
electricity from the agricultural sector. There are near about 50,000 proposed agricultural consumers,
on the waiting list of the MSEB (Solapur circle).
6.7.1 : ELECTRIC BILLING : OWNERSHIP OF THE METER.
The electric meter is the most important instrument used for measuring consumption of electricity very
accurately. Each and every consumer must have the meter (excluding of agricultural PWW-rural
consumers) to record electricity consumed by him. The meter can be purchased by the consumers
themselves or it is provided by the MSEB. Consumers have to pay the meter rent, if it is supplied by
the MSEB. At the time of taking service connection meter fitting is very essential, it must be checked
and sealed by the MSEB. Some of the consumers use bad means to reduce the bill. The MSEB flying
squad is meant and authorised to check any meter of any consumer at any time, to find out mischievous
consumers. Sometimes, the meters are faulty or defective. It is the responsibility of the manufacturers
272
to make such meters which are all-proof aid which won’t be tampered easily.
Generally meters are provided by the MSEB on rent basis to the consumers. The table given below
shows the number of meters provided by the MSEB and those owned by the consumers.
TABLE 6.28
TABLE SHOWING OWNERSHIP OF METER
Type of consumers Total No .of consumers Ownership of meters wifi

under study
consumers MSEB
Agricultural 20 @ 16 04
Domestic 400 30 370
PWW 10 00 10
Street Light 10 00 10
Total 620 68 552
@ Out of 400 agricultural consumers only 20 consumers have accepted the meter tariff system.
The above table clearly indicates fie following points.
1. Out of 400 agricultural consumers only 20 (i.e. 5.00%) have opted for the meter tariff system. They
mostly include such consumers as have very small holding of land and poor water sources or those
who don't have ample water source in their wells. Out of 20 consumers (metered tariff) 16 (i.e.
80%) consumers have their own meters, while only 4 (i.e. 20%) consumers have taken fie meters
from the MSEB on rental basis.
2. All the consumers (except agricultural and PWW- rural) don’t have the option but have to get the
meter fitted for their connection. 68 (i.e. 10.97) consumers have their own meters, where as 552
(89.03%) consumers use meters given by the MSEB on rental basis at the rate of Rs. 3.50 per
month for (single phase and Rs. 7.50 for (three phase).
3. All the HT industrial, street light and PWW, (which have opted metered tariff) consumers provided
meters by the MSEB.
273
There should be no objection about the meter rent, but when the cost of the meter is recovered from
the rent paid by the consumers every month, the ownership of the meter has to be transferred from
the MSEB to the consumers concerned when its total cost is thus recovered. But this never happens.
As a fact, the MSEB should stop charging the rent from the consumers after a certain period say 10
years.
In fact, it is the MSEB who supplies the electric power to the consumers and so, technically speaking
it is responsibility of the MSEB to measure the amount of electricity supplied to them and therefore,
it is expected and proper that the MSEB should give the meter to the consumers free of cost as a part
of the service instead of taxing the consumers with its cost or rent. Further, the MSEB recovers certain
amount on account of security deposit but no intrest is paid on it. As such, the MSEB has no moral
right to claim rent on meters issued to the consumers. And on this basis if the consumers feel that
they are being exploited, they are not to blame.
Therefore, the MSEB is advised either not to charge any rent from the consumers for the meter or at
least, the ownership of the meter should be transferred to the consumers after the cost of the meter
is recovered from the rent paid by the consumers and thereafter, no rent should be charged. If the
meter is purchased by the consumers himself its cost should be adjusted in amount of the electric bill
to be paid by him, or the MSEB should pay him the rent on it. If the Board can’t fully fulfill its
responsibility to measure the electrical consumption, on its own, it should pay at least 50% grants or
subsidy to the consumers. The manufacturers of the meter should make such meters that tampering
them becomes impossfcle.
6.72.: ELECTRIC BILLING : METER CHECKING
95% of the agricutural consumers under study don’t have meters for they have opted for HP tariff
system and as such the amount of their bill is fixed. It doesn’t matter how much of electricity they
consumer? The electricity bill is the only and the most important sales revenue of the MSEB. The
efficiency and profitability of the Board rests on it aid as such, it is vital and essential on the part
of the Board to check the meter from time to time. It is therefore necessary for the^wireman/meter
reader to check it, at least primarily, so tiiat he can detect a faulty or defective meter and prevent the
loss of Board's revenue as well as that of energy. The Solapur circle has a flying squad for surprise
checking of the meter and during its visits many defective meters have been found out. This, in itself,
underlines the need for the wireman and meter reader to check each meter at least once a year.
The MSEB’s Engineers Technical seminar held on 15-16 April 1993 at Solapur, one manufacturer of
meters stated that consumers are such wise people that they devise newer methods or means to delude
274
the meter (and the MSEB) and stop or slow it and if the MSEB starts checking the meters many more
instances of electricity theft would come to light resulting in ultimate increase in the revenue of the
MSEB. The percentage of such smart consumers is very much less, yet meter-checking is most
essential. For testing and checking the consumers’ meters, there should be meter testers Grade I and
Grade II and also Helpers, in adequate number as per the Field Staff Norms, 1963 (see ch.3) However,
in actual practice, the MSEB has not recruited the above technicians and helpers according to number
of metered consumers e.g. In the Pandharpur division of the Solapur circle, there are only 2 meters
Testers Grade II, and no Grade I Meter Testers at all. On the other hand, their expected number (As
per the Norms) is 602 Grade I and 06 for Grade II. It means there are some posts of Grade I and
Grade II Meter Testers lying vacant. It is suggested that the MSEB should take some steps to rectify
the situation in its own interests.
The following duties assigned for the meter tester I and II
Meter Tester grade II - Every meter is to be tested once in 3 years. The gang (Tester + Helper) is
expected to test about 4000 meters in a year.
Meter Tester Grade I - Every meter should be checked once in a year. A meter tester is expected to
check about 200 meters in a month. The first checking to be done in 2 months after the installation
of a meter. However, in actual practice, the above working norms aren’t followed. The folowing table
gives further viformation about the meter checking by the Board.
TABLE 6.29
TABLE SHOWING METER CHECKING SITUATION AS VIEWED BY THE CONSUMERS
Type of consumers Total No .of consumers METERS CHECKING
under study
Yes No
Domestic 400 30 370
commercial 114 20 94
PWW 10 2 8
Street light 10 2 8
Total 620 73 547
275
Note: Out of 1000 consumers under study 620 consumers are taken Mo account who have opted meter
tariff.
The table 6.29 leads to following observation :
1. The number of agricultural consumers opting for meter tariff is very smal. Inspite of it, their meters
are not checked at the time of taking meter-reading.
2. The meter cl o—V I? ^ e 11 77%) consults are checked on their request. In other words, no
voluntary checks are carried out by the \/wreman-j.r^Sifrr?*:*0ns himself Nearabout 55 consumers
have applied for meter-check up, most of whom have not been taken due care of. There are some
domestic consumers who have been sent their appications for meter-check up three-four years ago,
and their meters are not checked until march 1994. Some of the meters don’t work at afl, yet the
bills are issued to the consumers on approximate or average basis. These consumers insisted on
getting their meters checked up in the beginning but the no attention was paid to them and they
were issued approximate bills amounting to less than their previous actual bills and hence the
consumers did not ask the Board any further. Such instances ultimately lead to a heavy monetary
loss for the Board. But since no outsider is responsible for such practices, it would better to say
that the MSEB itself is inviting its own loss.
3. 20 (i.e. 17.54%) commercial consumers state that their meters were checked on their request while
the applications of at least 15 consumers of this category are pending with the Board and during
the year 1993-94 only 5 of them were cleared.
4. LT and HT industrial consumers are the most valued consumers of the MSEB for it is Ihey who
share more than 50% of the MSEB revenue. The MSEB carries out meter-checking to all HT
industrial cases, however; 15 (i.e. 24%) LT consumers state that their meters are checked up only
when they complain/request about it to writing.
5. Approximately 12% (11.7% to be exact) of the total number of consumers state that their meters
are checked casually by the wireman/tneter readers himself. The MSEB also arranges for meter
check-up following a request or complaint. But the applications for meter check-up are not paid
immediate attention, consequently, many applications for meter check-up are pending with the
MSEB.
6. As far as PWW and street light consumers are taken into consideration, it is observed that the
meters are checked only on receiving the complaint and that too only in 20% of the cases.
276
Following suggestions can be made in this matter-
1. Honest consumers on their own send their written applications to the MSEB office with a hope of
getting their meters checked; but, unfortunately they don’t get the attention they deserve. On the
other hand, in some cases meters are not checked even three years after the date of the receipt
of the complaint or application. That the MSEB, which often complains about the lack of sufficient
funds, should be so negligent about the meters related to the most vital factor related to its sales
revenue, is undesirable. As a fact, the applications for the meter check-up should be dealt with
urgently and without any delay and the work should be carried out entirely free of charge. But
in practice, the MSEB charges Rs. 20/- per meter, to consumers, it means that the MSEB extracts
money from the consumers for tire work which, infart, is its own, in addition to the charges
recovered from tire consumer towards the rent. Therefore, it is suggested that the MSEB should
check the meters regularly, (and in case of complaints, urgently) and that too, free of charge.
Further, Ihe meter and wiring should be checked up everytime the reading is taken. Following
things should be observed and noted at the time of checking of the meter.
a) Whether the disc in the meter rotates or not when all the swithes and appliances are off ?.
This is necessary to find out leakage, if any.
b) Whether the meter is properly sealed by the Board ?
c) If yes, whether the seal is intact ?
d) Whether the display glass of the meter has any hole etc.?
It is essential to check above things everytime the meter-reading is taken. It is also necessary to
get the information from the consumers about the various appliances used by him. The maximum
load on the meter in relation to the reading should be ascertained. If these measures are taken,
more and more cases of defective meters, leakage cases and cases of the theft will come to light
and mischievous consumers will be easily detected and checked. This, consequently, will add to
the MSEB revenue. Since this work is a part of the wireman’s/meter reader’s regular duty, the
MSEB doesn’t have to spend anyting extra for it.
6.7.3 ELECTRIC BILLING : ITS PROCEDURE AND CONSUMERS OPINION :
Revenue from the sale of power is the main source of income for the MSEB. There is seperate Meter
Reading Department formed by the Solapur circle, divisional and sectional offices of the MSEB. Billing
process is carried out by this section. The energy meters are installed at the premises of the consumers
to measure the electricity consumed by them. Meter readers/wiremen are required to visit the premises
of the consumers to take the meter reading at a specific interval of time. This billing period is different
277
for the ubran and rural areas. It is one month for HT and LT industrial consumers in urban and rural
areas, six months for agricultral consumers and PWW (HP tariff system), two months for domestic and
commercial consumers and street light in urban areas and three months for that in the rural areas etc.
Flat Rate Tariff system is adopted by 93% agricultural consumers, and 33.78% PWW consumers.
Therefore, it is not necessary to visit such agricultural and PWW consumers (Flat Rate Tariff i.e. H.P.
Tariff) every six months because their electricity consumption is not determined by or based on meter
reading. Meter Readers/Wiremen record the reading in Meter Reacting Book and the same is handed
over to the billing section for preparation of the bills. After preparation of the bill, it is checked by bill
checkers and then, it is handed over to the concerned consumers through a wiremen working in that
area or it is distributed by the meter reader himself, especially in the urban areas. These bills are
collected either Ihrough the brances of Solapur District Central Co-oparative Bank orthrogh Bill Collection
Centers in the Sectional Offices of the MSEB. Generally, this is the procedure followed by the MSEB.
From 1993-94, computerised bill system has been introduced in the urban areas. Inspite of this, there
are numer of difficulties faced by the consumers regarding their electricity bills. Following table exhibits
the numbers of complaints opinion about electricity bills as expressed by various consumers. Not all of
these complaints are in the written form, some of them were expressed orally by the consumers, to the
researcher at the time of filling up the questionnaire.
TABLE 6.30
TABLE SHOWING NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS LODGED BY THE
CONSUMERS REGARDING ELECTRICITY BILLS.
Type of consumers Total No.of consumers Weather the Complaints were

under study lodged with the MSEB Written/oraHy
Yes No
Domestic 400 90 310
Industrial LT 62 20 42
Industrial HT 4 0 4
PWW 10 0 10
Total 1000 150 850
278
The above table provides us more details in regard to the complaints / difficulties about bills. They are
as follow :
1 Only 10 (i.e. 2.5%) agricultural consumers, who have adopted the meter tariff system, have some
complaints about the bill. Whereas none of the agricultural consumers, adopting HP tariff system
has any complaints about the bill and they are fully satisfied with the billing procedure followeded
by the MSEB.
2 90 (i.e.22.5%) domestic consumers have complaints about the bill.
3 Only 30 (i.e.26.32%) commercial consumers have difficulties/complaints about the bill.
4 The LT industrial consumers having complaints are 20 (i.e.3225%) consumers.
5 HT industrial, PWW and street light consumers have no complaints whatsoever.
6 Only 150 (i.e.15%) of the total numbers of consumers have some complaints/difficulties to report.
7 In short, remaining 850 (i.e.85%) consumers are satisfied with the billing system/procedure and
have no complaints to make.
Though general billing conditions are quite satisfactory, the rural consumers, some times, don’t get their
bill in a stipulated period and, therefore it is suggested that all the bills should be so despatched by
the MSEB that they reach at least 15 days before the last date of payment. The agricultural consumers
are given their bills only twice a year, but since the amount of such bills is large,the agricultural
consumers find it difficult to manage for such a large amount at a short notice and as such the bill is
not paid in time, and consequently they have to pay 18% interest and 2% delay charges. If quarterly
bills are charged the amount of the bill would be less than that of six month bills and consumers
wouldn’t have much difficulty in paying tfiem. This will help to bring down the percentage of “Defaulter
Consumers.”
6.7.4 ELECTRIC BILLING : CONSUMERS PROBLEMS :
It is clear from Table 6.30 , that most of the consumers are satisfied with the electricity billing process.
However, there are some problems about which the consumers have made their complaints. But such
complaints are small in number. Defective bills, estimated bills, lock bills, wring entries of the defaulting
amounts, wrong calculations of interest etc. are some of major types of the defectives/wrong bills.
279
The number of such consumers who have lodged their complaints about bills are analysied in the table
given below :
TABLE 6.31
TABLE SHOWING CONSUMERS OPINION REGARDING PROBLEMS ABOUT
ELECTRICITY BILLS
Type of Total No.of Regularity Electric Billing

consumer consumers
understudy Regular Not Regular Accurate Inaccurate
regular but billing billing
estimated or minimum
Agricultural 400 394 6 3 393 7
Domestic 400 380 20 200 310 90
Commercial 114 106 8 34 90 24
Industrial LT 62 62 0 19 50 12
PWW 10 10 0 0 10 0
Street Light 10 10 0 0 10 0
Total 1000 966 34 256 867 133
The electric bills are issued by the MSEB to the consumers regularly. However, the table 6.31 gives
more information on the following points.
1. Generally, bills to the consumers are issued by the MSEB quite regularly. Only 34(i.e.3.4%)
consumers feel that the process is not regular and they complain about not getting their bills in
time.
2. 256 (i.e.25.6%) consumers state that they get the bill regularly but not as per the meter reading.
They point out that their meter reading is not taken regularly and approximate bills are charged.
There is a great discrepancy between the actual reading shown by the meter and that mentioned
in the bill. The domestic and commercial consumers have made such type of complaints, especially
from the rural areas. They have stated that the actual reading in their meter is noted only once
in a year and estimated bills are issued without referring actual meter reading.
280
3. 200 (i.e.50%) domestic consumers gets the bills regularly but on approximation basis and only once
or twice in a year, the actual reading is taken.
4. 34 and 19 (i.e. nearly 30%) commercial and LT industrial consumers respectively get their bill
regularly but on approximate basis and most of these consumers are from the rural areas.
5. HT industrial,PWW and street light consumers don’t have any complaints to make about their bills.
WRONG BILLING :
1. Sometimes there is some mistake in the bill issued by the MSEB . The mistake may be that of
wrong amount, totalling, wrong reading, error in calculating interest, wrong addition of zero at a
wrong place etc. All these mistakes in the bills are due to inadvertence. 14.3% of the consumers
get a wrong bill sometimes. In general, 21 to 22% of the domestic, commercial, LT industrial
consumers sometimes get a wrong bill.
2. Oily 7 (i.e. 1.75%) agricultural consumers (who have opted for meter tariff system) got wrong bills.
3. HT industrial PWW and street light consumers have no complaints in this behalf.
4. The instances of wrong billing are common both in urban and rural areas.
5. In all, 867 (i.e.86.7%) consumers get accurate bills, whereas only 133 (i.e.13.3%) consumers
sometimes get an inaccurate bill.
It is observed that the MSEB issues bills regularly; but in the rural areas the readings are not actually
taken and the reading mentioned in the bill is either fictitious or given on approximate basis. In such
practices there is likelihood of more loss than profit. Therefore the MSEB should be keen that the bills
are charged against actual readings taken from meters. This will, no doubt, solve the major problem
of difficulty faced by the consumers. These days, the bills are prepared with the help of a computer.
In such cases where computers are used, the entries fed in to the computer have to be accurate. In
short, the MSEB has to be more watchful and must also increase its efficiency so that it helps to
increase the consumers faith in it and also to control the instances of theft of electrical power.
6.7.5 ELECTRIC BILLING : RECTIFICATION
As has already been discussed that some times wrong or approximate bills are issued by the MSEB
to some of the consumers. Generally the consumers don’t complain about approximate billing. But when
some errors or mistakes creep into it inadvertently ,in most cases the bills are corrected or revised bills
are issued by the MSEB but in order to bring this mistake to the notice of the concerned officer, the
consumers have to go to the concerning office of the MSEB. However, sometimes the consumer is made
to pay the wrong bill first and apply for rectification. The error is then corrected and the amount is
281
adjusted in the subsequent bills. The details of the rectification/correction of electric bills are as stated
below.
TABLE 6.32
TABLE SHOWING EXPERIENCE OF THE CONSUMERS REGARDING
RECTIFICATION OF ELECTRICITY BILLS
Type of consumers Total No.of cases Rectification of Bill

of wrong Bill
Immediate Not Immediate Adjusted in
the next
bill after
paying the
defective
bill
Domestic 90 70 20 8
Total 143 110 33 17
The above table 6.32 brings to our notice the following points-
1. 143 (i.e. 14.3%) of the consumers had received wrong bill some time or the other, (out of tie 1000
sample consumers surveyed) In 77% of these cases, such defective bis were rectified by the MSEB
on the consumers and only after necessary inspection and scrutiny.
2. 33 (i.e. 23%) consumers had an adverse experience. They had to visit the MSEB office many times
to get their bill corrected. And this involved more of mental torture and physical strain due to travel
and also monetary expenses for them, in addition, to valuable man hours wasted in it.
3. 17 (i.e. 11.88%) of the consumers were asked by the MSEB office to pay the wrong bill and the
amount of dispute (i.e. the amount of difference between the wrong and correcentry was later on
adjusted in the subsequent bills.
The above discussion leads to the conclusions that sometimes there are mistakes in the bill issued by
the MSEB and as a result, the consumers are made to suffer for no fault on their part. In such cases,
the Board should accept its mistake and immediately correct it . In is totally unjustified that the
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consumers should be troubled for the Board’s mistake and made to suffer a monetary loss, and to waste
their valuable time. It is also a wrong method to ask the consumers to pay the wrong bil aid to adjust
it in the subsequent bills. Basically the bills must be prepared correctly and carefully by the concerned
staff and if necessary, self assessBig / correcting device of the computer should be made use of to avoid
such instances of wrong bill. And if some mistake still remains in the bill, the board should apologise
for it instead of putting the consumers to inconvenience.
6.7.6 ELECTRIC BILLING : BILLS COLLECTION CENTRES
The Solapur District Central Co-operative Bank (SDCCB) with its branches in rural as well as urban
areas has accepected the responsbility of collecting the MSEB bills in the jurisdiction of the Solapur
circle. Sectional offices of the MSEB have also opened a separate counter in order to accept the
consumers bills. Recently some private agents have also been appointed by the MSEB for the collecting
the bills on commission basis in some urban areas only. The following table shows the distance of Bill
collecting centers from the consumers villages.
TABLE 6.33
TABLE SHOWING DISTANCE OF SOLAPUR DISTRICT CENTERAL CO-OPERATIVE
BANK/BILL COLLECTING CENTER FROM THE CONSUMERS
Type of consumers Total No.of Distance of Bank (bill collection

consumers center from consumers site (km)
under study 1 to 5 6 to 10 11 to 15 Morethan 15
Domestic 400 190 120 60 30
Commercial 114 70 25 19 0
PWW 10 4 4 2 0
Total 1000 524 293 123 60
The amounts of the bill are to be deposited / paid either in the MSEB office (bills collection department)
or into the authorised bank. The Table 6.33 above gives as the idea of the distance a consumer has
to cover in order to pay the bill, and reveals following relevant facts.
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1. Out of 1he 1000 cases surveyed 52.4% (i.e. 524) of the consumers have to cross over the distance
of 1 to5 K.m. to pay the bill. Most of the towns / villages have banks where they can pay iheir
bills.
2. 29.3% (i.e. 293) of them have to go 6 to 10 kms to reach the bank and pay in their bills.
3. 12.3% (i.e. 123) of the consumers have to cross over the long distance of about 10 to 15 kms.
to reach the nearly town or village; while the remaining 6% (i.e. 60) of them have go still farther,
to the extent of over 15 kms, to pay their bills.
On the basis of the above information it can be inferred that the consumers who belong to such towns
or villages having a branch DCC Bank or other banks, don’t have any difficulty in paying their biBs. But
not all the rural areas have a bank or only other facility nearby. As a result, 18.3% (i.e. 123*60) of
the consumers have to suffer.
In some of the cities there are some private agents authorised to collect the bills. Similar arrangements
are necessary for villages as well. This will not only solve the major problem of bill collection, but it
will also create employment and at the same time, reduce the load of Solapur District Central Co
operative Bank. This will save the consumers valuable time, money, energy as well as mental trouble.
It will also help to reduce the the number of defaulter consumers considerably and ultimately, the
recovery of the bill will be timely, regular and efficient.
6.7.7 ELECTRIC BILLING : TIME CONSUME IN PAYING THE ELECTRIC BILL
Generally, the payment of electricity b3l is made through Solapur District Central Co-operative Bank with
its number of branches on commission basis. But the main complaint of the consumers is that it takes
more time for them to pay the bill. Since there are long queues. 55% of the consumers state that it
took 1 to 2 hours for them to pay the bill in the Bank, 37% state that it took them 2 to 3 hours while
for the remaining 8% more than three hours. It means, this process takes much time.
It is suggested that more and more private agencies / persons entrusted with the work of collecting bills
(xi commission basis in the rural areas as well. It would be beneficial to all the consumers as it requires
less time and at the same time, creates employment opportunities in the rural areas. At present, this
facility is restricted only to the urban area. But it would prove to be more beneficial to the consumers
in the rural areas, especially those villages which are far away from the MSEB section office and don't
have any bank nearabout.
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6.8. OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY : ELECTRICITY SAVING
Electricity saving does not mean curtailment in the use or consumption of electricity, but use the
electricity sources efficiently and properly. Proper and standard equipments should be used by the
consumers in order to save electrical power. Electricity saving includes the substitution of electric power
and use of non-conventbnal sources of energy as far as possible. However, the success of the
electricity saving programme largely depends on the behaviourial aspects and also on the participation
of consumers in it.
Electricity saving is very important and essential factor because there has been a continuous gap
between the actual generation of and demand for electricity. The demand for electricity is continuously
increasing though it differs from category to category to category. Electricity consumption pattern has
been changed Agricultural, domestic and commercial sector consume more electricity now than they did
before. So it is necessary to run the programme of electricity saving. In the power sector, electricity can
be saved by consumers, producers of electrical equipments and the MSEB. However, nobody is seen
taking much interest in it, at any of these three levels.
In researchers discussions with the consumers in the Solapur circle it became evident, lhat in the sphere
of saving of electricity the MSEB has not given any guide lines to the consumers. HT industrial
consumers are very small in number (127) in the Solapur circle but 11% electric load is connected (out
of the total in the circle) to this sector. They can save more electricity, but proper motivation and
encouragement is necessary. Possibilites ofelectricity saving are discussed in detail in the previous
chapter (Chapter No. 5. The following table throws light on the number of consumers who know about
the way of electricity saving.
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TABLE 6.34
TABLE SHOWING NUMBER OF CONSUMERS KNOWING ABOUT SOURCES OF

AMP
ELECTRICITY SAVING MSEB EFFORTS IN THIS RESPECT
A
Type of consumers Total No.of No.of consumers Whether guidlines
consumers Received from the MSEB
under study Having Not having
knowledge knowledge Yes No
edge of eledricity
eledricity saving
Domestic 400 40 360 0 400
Commercial 114 20 94 0 114
PWW 10 3 7 0 10
Total 1000 100 900 0 1000
The table given above makes it clear that most of the consumers still don’t know much about the most
important factor of electricity saving he above table following conclusions can be drawn.
1. Only 10% (i.e. 100) of the consumers are conversant with the various ways of saving electricity
and yet they too show little interest in them. (The details in this respect are furnished in Chapter
No .5 already)
2. 5% (i.e. 20) of the agricultural consumers realise the importance of electricity saving and know
about its ways, but in fad, don’t do much to save electricity.
3. Nearly 12% (i.e. 60) of the domestic and commercial consumers know how to save eledricity and
are indined to use the tubelights instead of bubs and the traditional eledric heaters, etc. in order
in save electricity.
4. 30% (i.e. 6) of PWW and street light consumers also know about the ways to save electrical
energy, but are inadive about bringing them into practice. Most of the times the street lights are
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switched on at about 5 p.m and are kept on until as late as 8-9 a.m. Which indicates that the
matter is not considered so seriously as it should be.
5. HT consumers know about the ways of saving electricity but expect that the government should
provide them the necessary means and capital at concessional rates.
6. In short, it can be said that 90% (i.e. 900) of the consumers either don't know about the ways
to save electricity or they show no interest in it.
6.8.1 ELECTRICITY SAVING : REMEDIAL MEASURES
1. In the Solapur district the electricity is used on a larger scale for the purpose of irrigation; and
agricultural sector shares 56.87% of the total load. The agricultural consumers don’t know much
about the ways of electricity saving. The majority of them come from rural areas. As such, the
MSEB should take lead in explaining to them the importance and ways of electricity, saving such
as, the use of frictionless foot-valve, the use of pipes of proper diameter, the correct size of the
suction pipe and the delivery pipe in relation to the water level, minimum bend to the pipe, the
suitable types of pumpsets, use of sprinkler and drip irrigation etc.
2. 17% of the electricity load are connected to the domestic and commercial sector and they too can
contribute to the saving of electricity.
3. HT Industrial consumers in the Solapur district are only 127 in number but they share 11 % of the
electricity load and consume 21.24% of electricity. It is suggested that at least once a year a
seminar of the responsible officers/engineers of the HT Industrial sector should be conducted by
the MSEB so as to discuss their problems in this respect and possble ways to intensify their efforts
to save as much of electricity as possible. If necessary, special workshops should be conducted
to train their working staff who actually deal with the equipments which consume more electricity.
4. For better implementation of the various schemes and ways of electricity saving, orientation of
consumers is essential and the MSEB should take lead in approaching be consumers and explaining
to them, through orientation programmes for different categories of consumers, the ways and
methods to save electricity. More knowledge is not going to help much in this respect; hence
motivation to act accordingly is necessary.
5. Energy audit should be made compulsory for all the HT industrial consumers; especially, chemical,
---- - -
cotton, sugar, fertilizer industries, ice factories and other major industrial units.
6. The domestic consumers need to be guided about the type of electrical appliances they should
prefer.
7. A slogan/slogans in bold type related to saving of electricity should be printed on each electricity
287
bill.
8. The manufacturers of electrical appliances should insist on the quality of their product and should
also familiarize the consumers with the research and new techniques used in their product.
9. In order to motivate the HT industrial consumers to save electrical energy, some monetary non
monetary incentives should be given to those consumers who have made remarkable work in saving
electricity.
10. In should be brought to the notice of every consumers that saving one unit electric power is as
good as generating 1.3 units of electricity and if they take it seriously they can help the MSEB in
striking a balance in the demand and supply of electricity and thereby overcome the problem.
6.9. OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY: CONSUMERS FORUM
Consumers protection Act 1986 has been greatly modified in June 1993 to include consumers' services
in it. Consumers forum have been established at district, state and national level, to protect and
establish the consumers’ rights and also to solve their problems. Electricity supply is also covered under
this Act, it is treated as a service, which is provided to the consumers. As such for any complaint or
dissatisfaction about the working of the SEB's (related mainly to the monetary loss occured due to poor
quality of electrical supply) the consumers can approach the appropriate consumer forum. But it is
necessary that the consumers come together and form their own organisation or approach the already
existing consumers organisation in order to get their problems solved. The consumers’ movement is not
against any specific body or organisation/institution but against the malpractices and evil tendencies at
work in every field of activity. It has now reached even villages and is based on the principles of better
practices, optimum (proper) sale and optimum profit underlying them. It is meant to protect the rights
of the consumers as consumers, and therfore, it is the cheapest, most efficient as well as simplestic
way of getting the consumers problems solved. But, as it is, in Solapur district this movement has not
yet spread much. None of the MSEB consumers sun/eyed, is a member of consumers organisation.
Nearly 90% of the consumers don’t even know about its activities and its relevance to common man.
None of them has even approached the district consumers forum for getting their problems (with the
MSEB) solved. The case cited below is enough to prove that even the MSEB comes under the perview
of the Consumers Protection Act.
There was an instance of burning of the electric motor owned by a consumer in Andhra Pradesh due
to the fluctuations in the electricity supply. He claimed the compensation for it from the Andhra Pradesh
State Electricity Board (APSEB), which the State Board flatly refused. The said consumers filed a legal
suit against the Board (Suit No. 1991 ICPR 539 SCAP Andhra Pradesh State Electricity Board vs the
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said consumer) in which the following verdict was passed by Andra Pradesh state consumer council.
ELECTRICITY - VOLTAGE FLUCTUATIONS
“Consumer Protection Act, 1986 - Section 2(d) and (g) - Supply of electricity - Fluctuation in voltago
- Whether amounts to deficiency in service? (Yes) - Complaint for damages of motor being burnt -
Whether maintainable? (Yes).
(Andhra Pradesh State Electricity Board v.Yeliigari Chinna Chennaiah, (1991) ICPR 539 S.C., A.P.).
DECISION
Held: When the Electricity Board has agreed to supply power to any consumer, a promise is implied
in that agreement that the minimum voltage required to be maintained for a particular kind of supply
will be maintained. If the Electricity Board fails to maintain the minimum voltage required to be
maintained for a particular kind of supply, then such failure amounts to deficiency in the service within
the meaning of the Act. As a result of such deficiency, if the consumer suffers any loss or damage,
he is entitled to claim compensation under the Act. Therefore, we cannot accept the contention of the
learned counsel for the appellant that the complaint is not maintainable under the provisions of the Act
Fluctuation in voltage is a deficiency in supply of electricity service and Electricity Board is liable
1 £>
for burning of motor due to said deficiency!’
This verdict makes it clear that if and when a consumer is made to suffer a loss due to some defects
in electricity supply working of the State Board, he can lodge a complaint with the consumers forum.
However, 90% of the consumers of the MSEB are not aware of such a provision or facility open for
them. It is therefore necessary that the consumers movement try to reach the people and make them
more and aware of such provision and facilities of their own interest.
6.10 OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY: CONSUMERS OPINION ABOUT MSEB EMPLOYEES
Inspite of the regular efforts made by the MSEB to supply the electricity regularly at a constant voltage,
there are many instances of interruption and low voltage. Various reasons, such as some defect in the
transformer/overioaded transformer or HT/LT lines or in the substation machinery, are responsble for
them. The MSEB takes immediate steps to restore normalcy by undertaking immediate repairs. Sometimes
the defect is removed in a very short time; whPe sometimes it takes more time resulting in delay. The
consumers from the rural areas found to complain against such a delay.
In 1963, certain norms for the recruitment of the staff of the MSEB were fixed (which have already been
discussed in detail in Chapter 3) but these norms have remained only on paper, the staff is not recruited
according to the recommended pattern. Ultimately, one wireman is asked to look after 2-3 or even 3-
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4 villages at a time. Obviously, he cannot be expected to fulfill the consumers’ expectations. The
consumers in their difficulties have first to find him (which takes one day they say) and then get the
necessary repairs done through him. Similarly, the transformers in the rural areas are not repaired
immediately, the wiremen/officers concerned don’t treat the consumers respectfully expect and even
demand money for every bit of work Ihey do, they try to shirk their responsibility etc. are common
complaints from rural consumers, where as the MSEB puts up a very common and unjustifiable excuse
of insufficient staff at hand. It is to be noted here that inspite of new recruitment programmes there
has not been much improvement either in the MSEB working, or its performance or its treatment.
There have been numerous complaints about the approximate bills issued to consumers, wrong bills,
delay or negative attitude towards rectifying or correcting the bills, bad condition of fuses in the
transformer, missing fuses etc. The consumers expect the electricity supply to be continuous and of
proper and constant voltage. Minor defects and load-shedding etc. are quite obvious, they too agree.
But they have a general feeling that there is some element of negligence and delay on the part of the
working of the MSEB in addition to the discrepancy they show towards the rural and urban consumers.
The table that follows, clearly exhfcits the number of complaints made by the consumers against the
MSEB employees.
TABLE 6.35
TABLE SHOWING NUMBER OF CONSUMERS COMPLAINING AGAINST
THE EMLOYEES OF THE MSEB
Type of consumers Total No.of consumers Whether complants lodge

under study aganinst MSEB employees
Yes No
Industrial LT 62 20 42
Industrial HT 4 0 4
PWW 10 0 10
Total 1000 335 665
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Following observations can be made with the help of table 6.35
1. 35.5% (i.e. 335) of the total consumers have complained against/about the MSEB employees and
working system of the MSEB. While 66.5% (i.e. 665) of them don’t have any complaint about the
employees of the MSEB.
2. 32 to 35% of the domestic, agricultural, commercial, and industrial LT consumers (140, 135, 20
respectively) have complaints against both, the employees and working of the MSEB, including
administration.
3. A large majority of the consumers from rural areas complain about the MSEB employees and the
way they work.
4. PWW, street light and industrial HT consumers are satisfied with the MSEB staff, their work and
behavior and don’t have any complaints.
Considering these various complaints following remedial measures are suggested:
1. The recruitment should be made as per the rules and prescribed norms.
2. The number of section offices should be increased in order to provide efficient and smooth working
and also fulfill the consumers expectations.
3. There should be promptness in solving the consumers problems by removing the necessary defect
quickly.
4. Greater attention should be paid towards electricity saving and consumers’ orientation.
5. Appointment of one wireman for one village.
6. The consumers should be given gentle and respectful treatment.
7. Proper and timely maintenance of the transformer, HT and LT lines, substations, other machinery
and equipments etc.
6.10.1 CONSUMERS COMPLAINT: TYPES OF COMPLAINT
Not that consumers have complaint about each and every employee of the MSEB; but in the course
of life and experience they come across various instances which confirm a particular notion about the
employees and their work, the treatment they give to others, the way in which they look at their own
duty, how seriously they take it, the promptness with which they note, the problem and act upon it,
whether or not they just dodge their own responsibility on to somebody else, the sadistic pleasure they
take or don’t take in seeing others in trouble and misery etc. are so many things which help the
consumers when they form their opinion about a man, a class, or a society or an organisation whether
291
public or private. Not that they don’t know anything. They know and can understand what is going on
about them, though technically they may not be able to put their finger on the particular factor as the’
reason or the’ defect. But the consumers, even ordinary men, have this high sense of values. They
have certain expectations based on their experience, reason and common sense which tells them that
something is wrong somewhere. Then they try to probe deeper and, when they find some grain of truth
which is responsible for the wide gap between their expectations and actual experience, they begin to
complain about it. Simitarty, when MSEB tells the rural consumers that delay in work is due to the fact
that they don’t have one wireman for one village (according to consumers strength) and one section
office for every 8-10 villages, they realise the truth in the argument but when they find, that the city
areas are getting better and more prompt services, they become doubtful about the MSEB and its logic.
When the MSEB tells them that certain items which go with giving electricity connection, are out of
stock, the consumers think that it is true and quite likely and so they go to the market and purchase
those items at their own cost. But they become suspicious of the working of the MSEB where someone
else gets them. Similarly, when there is considerable delay in their own case while somebody else’s
cases are cleared promptly, they get sufficient grounds to suspect and complaint. Whenever consumers
complain about something or somebody, their expectations and actual experiences are involved in it and
therefore the MSEB or any other agency for that matter whose nature of work is related to a kind of
social sen/ice, must look at the consumers complaint respectfully and consider it as a way to self
correction, as a sort of diagnostic check up of the total working of its system. The type of consumers
complaints about the MSEB are as shown in toe table given below.
292
TABLE 6.36
TABLE SHOWING EXPERIENCE OF THE VARIOUS CONSUMERS
REGARDING BEHAVIOUR OF THE MSEB STAFF
Type of consumers Total No.of Behaviour/complaint

consumers
under study Rudeness Shirking Over Corrupt Not
tendencies Drunk avaiable
carelessness on in time
of
Agricultural 400 7 74 8 30 125
Domestic 400 30 170 2 50 120
Commercial 114 10 32 0 13 28
Industrial LT 62 2 17 0 3 16
PWW 10 0 2 0 0 2
Total 1000 49 298 10 96 293
The consumers complaints can be broadly categorised and analysed as follows :
1. 49% {i.e. 49) of the consumers have stated that the MSEB employees don't behave with them
respectfully and that they make the consumers visit their office many times for the same work, and
that their answers to the consumers inquiries speak of their irresponsible nature and rudeness.
2. 29.8% (i.e. 298) of the consumers feel that the employees are indifferent to their own duties and
the work assigned to them by the Board and this is reflected in their tendency to dodge the work,
cause unnecessary delay in the execution of the orders issued by the superiors.
3. 1% (i.e. 10) of the consumers have complained that some of the employees are overdrunk even
during their duty hours.
4. 9.6% (i.e. 96) of the consumers have complained that the Board’s employees demand some money
for any kind of repairing work though this is a part of their duty. They also claim a large sum for
giving a new electric connection. Sometimes they themselves encourage the consumers to use
electricity unauthoritatively and shows a way to do so and then demand some money for it.
293
5. 29.3% (i.e. 293) of the consumers complain that the wireman is not available at a particular place
or at a given time, so that there is delay in getting the repairs done through him. Thus most
of the complaints against the employees are in the form of charges of corrupt practices, irresponsible
behaviour and shirking tendencies.
The consumers from the rural areas who come to the Board’s office spending their valuable time as
well as money must be treated with respect and guided properly. They expect that the MSEB employees
should be gentle in their response to the consumers’ inquiries or queries and their problems should be
solved with urgency, in a given time and with least expenses. It is therefore suggested that the wiremen/
sub engineer should reside in the particular village/town which is assigned for his duty. Every employee
should do his duty diligently and the wireman/engineer should be prompt in removing the defect,
informing the section office about the condition of the fuses, for example, recommend them to replace
the broken fuses, and put in the new fuses in case they are broken, so that the consumers complaints
would automatically be reduced. If his behaviour with the people is gentle, then consumers would also
respect him and sympathies with him and at times extend their whole hearted Co-operation to him and
to the Board, ultimately. But he must claim the public faith by his sincerity in work and gentle behaviour.
6.11 OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY : CONSUMERS SATISFACTION WITH WORKING OF
THE MSEB:
The extent of the MSEB work and its field of operation is very large and in this modem age where
electricity has become a primary necessity. During the year 1992-93 the number of the MSEB consumers
was 92.63 lakh consisting of 72.17 lakh of domestic and commercial consumers and 17.18 lakh of
agricultural consumers at the state level. In the Solapur district, which is taken up for study, the total
number of the consumers is 3.74 lakh (by the end of 1992-93) which by the end of 1993-94 has risen
to 3.93 lakh. This includes 2.51 lakh of domestic and commercial and 1.25 lakh agricultural consumers.
According to an MSEB officers “there are only two such Boards in Maharashtra (viz. the State Transport
Corporation and the MSEB), which are very closely and directly connected to the day to day life of the
people, the MSEB organisation always tries to provide useful services and good qualitatively work, we
simply can’t satisfy all our consumers which are spread all over the state. It is totally impossible for us
to do so, and obviously we don’t even expect that people praise us, speak good about us and admire
the services we give them. Further, the better we work, still better they expect from us and there is
no end to expectations”. But, in fact, this observation, on the public attitude made by the MSEB, is
itself disproved by the fact that people do admire the tremendous task the MSEB has fulfilled, the
facilities which the MSEB has provided by reaching to the farthest comers of the state, tire tremendous
294
amount of progress and industrial development achieved by the state is chiefly due to availability of
electricity, the entire credit of which goes to the MSEB and the MSEB deserves it. All the consumers
agree that the MSEB has done a commendable job but, at the same time, there are some complaints
from the consumers. If the MSEB can fulfill all the expectations of the consumers, it would be an ideal
institution. Even today the MSEB tops the list of all SEB’s in many respects in its generation, and
installed capacity of electricity, number of agricultural consumers. And yet, inspite of its record-breaking
achievement and performance, the demand for electricity in the state is so high and all the time
increasing, that the MSEB has not been able to fulfill this demand. In the Solapur district alone, there
are as many as 50,000 proposed agricultural consumers on the waiting list of the MSEB. Some of the
agricultural consumers who were on the waiting list had to wait more than five years to get their electric
connection. Due to, many problems have come up and they are mounting up day by day such as delay
in removing the defects, proper maintenance of toe equipment, timely replacement, etc. The over
loading transformers also create many problems such as irregular voltage, burning of motors and other
appliances, loss of working hours etc. If toe MSEB pays proper attention to these issues and solves
toe problems of rural consumers on priority basis, toe majority of toe complaints would subside. The
consumers have also pointed out that the MSEB has raised its tariff from time to tine but there is no
corresponding improvement in toe facilities and quality offered by the MSEB. Though the total number
of the MSEB’s consumers is very large, only 1000 representative cases have been taken up for study
as a random sample from Solapur district. Consumers of toe MSEB (Solapur circle) expressed their views
regarding their satisfaction with woiking of the MSEB is given below
295
TABLE 6.37
TABLE SHOWING CONSUMERS SATISFACTION, WITH WORKING OF THE MSEB
Type of consumers Total No.of consumers Opinion of consumers about

understudy satisfaction
Satisfied Dissatisfied Natural
Domestic 400 180 87 133
Industrial HT 4 2 1 1
PWW 10 6 2 2
Total 1000 460 263 277
296
FOLLOWING OBSERVATIONS CAN BE MADE IN REGARD TO TABLE 6.37
1. 460 (i.e. 46%) consumers of the MSEB are satisfied with its working, 263 (i.e26.30%) have
expressed an adverse opinion while according to remaining 227 (i.e. 27.7%) consumers, its working
is alright. They are neutral because they don’t feel that the work done by the MSEB is neither
excellent or outstanding to express full satisfaction about it; nor is it too bad to be totally
dissatisfied with and therefore, these consumers have some reservations.
2. Those who express favorable remarks about the woiking of the MSEB or those who express their
satisfaction about it include 43% of agricultural consumers, 45% of domestic consumers, 54% of
commercial consumers, 52% of LT industrial consumers, 50% of HT industrial consum ers and 60%
of PWW and street light consumers.
3. Those who express unfavourable reactions or those who express total dissatisfaction about the
working of MSEB include 33.5% of agricultural consumers, 21.75% of domestic and 21.92% of
commercial consumers, 19.35% of LT industrial consumers, 25% of HT industrial consumers, and
20% of PWW and street fight consumers. In general, the percentage of satisfied consumers is more
than the aggrieved or dissatisfied consumers.
4. Those who have reservations and don't express either favourable or unfavourable opinion include
23.5% of agricultural consumers, 33.25% of domestic consumers, 23.68% of commercial consum
ers, 29% of LT industrial consumers, 25% of HT industrial consumers, and 20% of PWW and street
light consumers.
5. As a whole 46% (i.e. 460) of the number of the MSEB consumers have favourable opinion about
it while 54% (i.e. 540) are either dissatisfied or don’t say it is good or bad either.
6. When getting the questionnaire filled from the consumers belonging to different areas, and also
while analysing the questionnaire, the researcher noticed a fact that 90% of the consumers
expressing their dissatisfaction about the working of the MSEB, come from rural areas while majority
of those consumers who are neither satisfied nor dissatisfied and have certain reservations in
expressing their opinion belong to the urban as well as rural area.
7. As compared to other categories of the consumers HT industrial consumers enjoy the maximum
benefit of the excellent services given to them by the MSEB. But ae cording to them, the sudden rise
in the tariff made by the MSEB is not justified nor is it affordable and further, according to them,
it has no bearing upon the improvement in the regularity and quality of the electrical supply. They point
out that in summer every year the instances of tow voltage and irregularity of the electricity supply are
very common and the MSEB has failed to find out effective measures to control or overcome such
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a situation as result the machinery is either badly affected or can’t be used to its maximum rapacity,
ultimately resulting their loss. Thus they hold MSEB responsible for their loss due to
irregular voltage and donl express their opinion in favour of the MSEB.
At the time of starting the research work, the researcher had a very positive approach and set the
hypothesis that most of the consumers are satisfied with the woiking of the MSEB. But this hypothesis
could not be proved 100%, nor is it totally disproved. Thus in short, it cat be said that 46% of the
consumers are satisfied, 26.3% are dissatisfied while the remaining 27.7% are indifferent about the
working of the MSEB. It has been observed by the researcher that 90% of those who are dissatisfied
with the MSEB working come from the rural areas. This leads the researcher to the conclusion that the
services and facilities offered by the MSEB to the urban areas are better than those offered to the rural
areas. Hence a majority consumers of the urban areas are fully satisfied with the working of the MSEB,
whereas the problems/difficulties in the rural areas are more genuine, severe and of serious nature
and majority of consumers are not fully satisfied with working of the MSEB. Therefore the expectations
of the rural consumers that the MSEB should pay more attention to their problems/ difficulties, are
more justified.
In the light of the above conclusions it is suggested that the MSEB has still many more miles to go
to reach the stage of fulfilment. It has to give better services to the rural consumers to win their
approval, work more promptly, diligently and efficiently and with a missionary zeal to solve the
consumers problems, to keep proper maintenance of the transformers and other equipment, to improve
the billing pattern and stop corrupt practices that have crept into its administration, though to a very
minor extent, take strict measures against those involved in the theft of electrical power, to reduce the
number of pending applications and organise orientation programmes for the consumers to train them
to save as much of electricity as they can.
The expectations of the consumers from the MSEB in the days to come can be summed up as follow
1. The new agricultural consumers should be given the connection as per their demand. The pending
case should be minimised.
2. The new agricultural consumers should be given the new connections within at the most 6 months
from the date of receiving his application. Other types of consumers should be given the new
connection within a month.
3. All the necessary measures should be taken to maintain the continuity and regularity of proper
voltage of the electricity supply.
298
4. The steps to remove the defects in LT line should be taken up immediately so that there is no
delay in the repairing work.
5. There should be one wireman and adequate number of engineers appointed for each village/section
(according to number of consumers) and it should be made obligatory on their part to live in the
particular village/city section assigned to him.
6. The transformer should be maintained periodically and according to the prescribed maintenance
schedule in order to reduce the transformer failure rate.
7. The transformer fuses should be replaced and checked from time to time.
8. When the transformer fails, the other transformer should be replaced immediately till the necessary
repairs in the defective transformer are made. So that the consumers don’t suffer any kind of
inconvenience during the intervening period of necessary repairs; especially this facility should be
provided to the consumers of the rural areas also.
9. The work of collecting the electric bills should be entrusted to private agencies or individuals for
better efficiency and to solve the problem of unemployment through creating opportunities for self-
employment.
10. There should be one section office for every ten villages.
11. The system improvement program should be worked out efficiently and speedily.
12. Greater attention should be paid to maintain the regularity (constant voltage) and continuity of the
electricity supply.
13. New transformers and substations should be erected so as to reduce the number of overloaded
transformers and sub-stations.
14. No rent should be charged on meters over 10 years.
15. The consumers should be treated gently respectfully and honourably.
16. The consumers should be trained or oriented about the ways to save electricity.
The above remedial measures taken and executed property can help the MSEB to improve its
working and so that even the dissatisfied consumers have to change their stand/opinion and come
to express their satisfaction about the MSEB and its working system. The researcher has full faith
in the potentials of the MSEB and its efficiency which will soon lead it to its recognition as an ideal
institution not only in Maharashtra state but in the national level as well. But all the executive
managerial administrative and working staff of the MSEB should never forget that they are what
they are because of the consumers and naturally the better future of the MSEB and its staff for
that matter, depends on the consumers who are the best judges of the situation.
299
Strict adherence to the M.S.B.'s Action plan (as given in the Appendix m and extracted from the
Annual Administration Report 1990-91 would certainly help to solve the majority of the problems
related to the consumer other as[ects of the M.S.E.B.
6.12 OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY : CONSUMERS BENEFICIARY SCHEMES
The researcher has observed that there is a continuous growth in activities of tire MSEB for the period
of 1985-86 to 1992-93. Some qualitative aspects of the MSEB (Solapur circle) are listed below.
1. The MSEB has been able, upto some extent, to accelerate the pace of construction of distribution
network and provide service connections to the consumers quickly as possfcle.
2. The operational procedure of the MSEB is better tuned to the requirements of consumers,
especially for urban consumers.
3. The MSEB has helped to spearhead a more effective implementation of the development program
of tire Solapur district.
4. The MSEB has introduced the Janata sen/ice connection scheme. This has helped many poor
families in the area of operation. Under this scheme the MSEB gives free service connection
without charging any cost to the poor.
5. At the time of taking electric service connections, consumers are required to pay various charges.
But weaker section of the society are unable to pay all required charged in one installment. So
they cannot get the benefit of electricity. The MSEB gives concession in tire payment of required
charges. Under this schemes consumers have to pay only Rs.67 at the time of taking service
connection and the remaining amount in suitable installments the facility is applicable only to
weaker sections of the society.
6. The MSEB provides street light facility in the residential area of people of scheduled caste/tribe
even though there is no demand for electricity from the concerned grampanchayat. The MSEB
bears all the expenses required for providing this type of facility.
7. As per tire general procedure the cases of wells recognised by Taluka Panchayat are provided
electricity on priority basis. Similarly, the wells dug out under such specific schemes as Jeevandhara
• Dashlaksha Vihir Yojna, Jawahar Yojna (Employment Guarantee scheme), Jawahar Yojna for
people below poverty line, Special component programme, Integrated Rural Development Programme
etc, are electrified on priority basis. Approximately 500 to 1000 such proposals are sanctioned per
year.
In tiie context of the national program for accelerating the pace of electrification, the MSEB has
played a crucial role in the field of electrification work in the Solapur district and in the state as
300
well. The MSEB always has been able to reach its target of issuing new sen/ice connection to
various sectors. Various system improvements works have been successfully implemented by the
MSEB. It has also been able to reduce the line loss percentage in the district.
The performance of the MSEB is good regarding service and issuing new electric service connec
tions, however, most the urban areas consumers seem to be happy with the working of the MSEB,
While those in the rural areas have a grudge about it.
REFERENCES
1. W.L Gandhare, ‘Utilization of Electrical Energy’, Vrinda Publications, Jalgaon, 1988 PP.54,55.
2. V.K Dewan, ‘Consumers Protection Digest’, Vmod Publishing House, Dehi, 1992 P. 89.
301

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CHAPTER

THE MSEB : AN ANALYSIS

6.2 OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY: AGRICULTURAL CONSUMERS

6.3 OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY: NON AGRICULTURAL CONSUMERS

6.4 OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY: CONSUMERS AND ITS PERIODWISE ANALYSIS

6.5 OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY: ELECTRIC SERVICE CONNECTION

6.6 OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY: SUPPLY OF ELECTRIC POWER

6.7 OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY: ELECTRIC BILLING

6.8 OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY: ELECTRICITY SAVING

6.9 OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY: CONSUMER FORUM

6.10 OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY: CONSUMERS OPINION ABOUT

EMPLOYEES OF THE MSEB

6.11 OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY: CONSUMER SATISFACTION WTTH

WORKING OF THE MSEB

6.12 OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY: CONSUMERS BENEFICIARY SCHEMES

OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY OF THE MSEB: AN ANALYSIS

6.2. OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY: AGRICULTURAL CONSUMERS:

6.2.1 AGRICULTURAL CONSUMERS: PUMPSETS

TABLE SHOWING TYPES OF ELECTRIC MOTOR USED BY

AGRICUTURAL (AG.) CONSUMERS

Type of Motor No.of Agricultural consumers Percent to total

Coupled-set 149 3725

Monoblock 224 56.00

Total of Agricultural 400 100.00

consumers under study.

more than half.

total sample understudy.

saved and more number of agricultural consumers can be served.

622. AGRICULTURAL CONSUMERS: PUMPSETS DYNAMICS

pumpset per minute is the standard/common speed of an electric motor.

PROPORTION OF WATER DISCHANGE ALONG WITH CAPACITY OF MOTOR

Diameter Estimated Water discharge Capacity

of the pipe head (in foot) (Gallon per hour) of motor(HP)

2“x 1.5“ 40/60 6000/1800 2

2“ x 2“ 40/60 3000 / 3900 3

2.5" x 2" 20/45 11100/7200 3

2“ x 2" 50/85 12000 / 5100 5

3” x 2" 40/65 13800 / 7200 5

4“ X 3" 20/45 15600 / 9600 7.5

4" X 3" 35/65 18100 / 10200 7.5

4" X 4" 25/50 24200 / 12000 7.5

4" x 3“ 60/85 19000/10500 10

4“ x 4" 40/65 27600 / 13200 10

5" x 4“ 20/45 37200 / 21000 10

5“ x 4“ 60/90 33000 / 18600 15

5" x 5" 20/45 43800 / 16800 15

Source : Vidyut Garahak Margdarshika p28 (Electric consumers guide).

62.3 AGRICULTURAL CONSUMERS : AVAILABILITY OF GROUND WATER AND USE OF

TABLE SHOWING AVAILABILITY OF GROUND WATER RESOURCES

AND UTILISATION OF PUMPSETS

Availability of No. of Ag. Use of Electric Motor.

Total 400 130 180 90

electric motors pumpsets as and when required and not continuously.

ground water rarely use their pumpsets.

will be greatly benefited.

6.2.4 AGRICULTURAL CONSUMERS : IRRIGATION METHOD

TABLE SHOWING IRRIGATION METHODS ADOPTED BY

Type of irrigation No. of Ag. consumers Percentage

method under study Total

Conventional method 360 90

Total 400 100

The following observations can be made :

saving water and electricity resources.

profitable only where there is abundance of water.