The quasi-judicial body of Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) feels there is a paucity in the number of consumer representatives fighting for public against rising electricity tariffs. The tenure of currently posted consumer representatives ended in June. So, MERC wants people from every city, town, district to study the power sector and present the problems the locals face from those areas. "There is a need for more consumer representatives across the state. Currently, the situation is such that, consumer representative from Nasik talks about problems faced by consumers in Nagpur/Aurangabad, etc," said Mukesh Khullar, Member, MERC. This is a good step. It will lead to more public participation. In fact, the MERC has started working on plans to scrutinise and select consumer representatives. They are approaching the Charity Commissioner Office and consumer cells registered with the government. The MERC also feels that the reason they stopped consumer representatives from making presentations is that it gets repetitive. "We also discontinued audio/video recordings as they are not needed now. Earlier, there was lack of manpower when MERC first started and so hearings were recorded," said IM Bohari, Member, MERC. Power experts are claiming that MERC wants people on board who know little about the subject. "It takes 2-3 years to understand the subject and until then no one would object the MERC during hearings. At present, we raise questions that hurt MERC." The public representatives also feel that it is a good idea to involve more people. But the problem remains that on an average there are 40 hearings each month. "The MERC needs to make a concrete road map ahead. This is a good idea but how will someone staying in Solapur, Nagpur or other far off areas in the state come all the way for hearings on a regular basis? Will their travel expenses be reimbursed by the commission," questioned another expert. COMMUTE ISSUES Public representatives feel it is a good idea to involve more people. But there are around 40 hearings each month. Travel becomes a problem for people coming from remote areas.

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