Consumer rights activist Abhishek Padha has formally complained to the Chief Commissioner of the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) in New Delhi, challenging the imposition of a milk cess and a fuel cess on electricity bills issued by Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Limited (HPSEBL). The complaint alleges that these charges are illegal and constitute an unfair trade practice, affecting lakhs of electricity consumers across the state.
Allegations of Illegal Charges
According to the complaint, consumers are forced to pay these additional cess amounts every month along with their electricity bills. Padha has named both the Himachal Pradesh Government and HPSEBL in the complaint, arguing that the recovery of these charges amounts to financial exploitation and a violation of consumer protection laws.
Contractual Overreach
Padha contends that the contractual relationship between a consumer and the power utility is limited to payment for electricity actually consumed, measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh), plus approved regulatory charges. Levying additional charges like a milk cess or imposing the financial burden of government welfare schemes through electricity bills falls outside the scope of this agreement, he argued.
The complainant highlighted that consumers who wish to pay only for consumed electricity are effectively coerced into paying the cess, as non-payment can lead to disconnection of supply. This practice is described as coercive and a violation of consumer rights.
Dark Pattern Guidelines Cited
The complaint also references the Central Government's Dark Pattern Prevention Guidelines, 2023, asserting that introducing hidden or unrelated charges under the guise of an essential service contravenes transparent consumer practices. Padha has requested the CCPA to immediately remove both cesses from electricity bills and direct HPSEBL to issue bills based solely on actual consumption and approved charges.
Additionally, the complainant seeks an investigation into the funds collected through these cesses. If found unlawful, he demands that the amount recovered from consumers be refunded in future electricity bills.
Interim Relief Sought
As an interim measure, Padha has urged the authority to restrain HPSEBL from disconnecting power supply solely for non-payment of the disputed cess until the matter is finally adjudicated. The case is now under consideration by the Central Consumer Protection Authority.
