Consumer Forum Electricity Case: How to File a Case Against the Electricity Department? (2026 Legal Guide)

Has the electricity department harassed you with inflated, erroneous bills? Or are they delaying a new connection for months despite you paying all the fees? Harassment of electricity consumers is a widespread issue in India. Often, Sub-Divisional Officers (SDOs) and linemen throw your written complaints straight into the trash.

However, under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 and the Electricity Act, 2003, you have the absolute right to drag the electricity department to the 'Consumer Court'. In 2026, with the full rollout of the 'e-Daakhil' portal, you no longer need to run around courtrooms or pay hefty fees to lawyers.

In this mega legal guide, we will walk you through the process of sending a "Legal Notice", claiming financial compensation, and filing a lawsuit online from the comfort of your home.

1. Valid Grounds for Filing a Lawsuit (Deficiency in Service)

You cannot approach the Consumer Court for trivial issues. The court entertains cases strictly under "Deficiency in Service". You can file a case in the following scenarios:

• Arbitrary & Inflated Billing: Generating bills in lakhs based on estimates rather than actual meter readings, and refusing to correct them.
• Delay in New Connection: Failing to install a meter despite the consumer paying the required deposit.
• Disconnection Without Notice: Cutting power supply without giving a 15-day prior written notice (A direct violation of Section 56 of the Electricity Act).
• Damage to Appliances: If your TV or refrigerator burns down due to sudden high voltage fluctuations from the grid, the utility is liable to pay for the damages.
• Ignoring Faulty Transformers: Not replacing a burnt transformer within the mandated 48 hours in rural areas.

2. Pre-Requisite: CGRF (Consumer Grievance Redressal Forum)

Before heading to the Consumer Court, it is highly recommended (and sometimes legally required) to exhaust the utility's internal grievance mechanisms.

Every power distribution company (Discom like UPPCL, BESCOM) has an internal court called the CGRF.

1. Submit a written complaint to the local CGRF.
2. By law, the CGRF must deliver a verdict within 45 days.
3. If you are unsatisfied with their decision, you can appeal to the 'Electricity Ombudsman' of your state.
4. If the Ombudsman also fails to provide justice, approaching the District Consumer Forum is your ultimate weapon.

3. Format of Legal Notice to Electricity Dept

Before filing a case, you must send a 30-day 'Legal Notice' to the electricity department. You can hire an Advocate for this, or draft and send it yourself via Registered Speed Post.

(Note: Keep a photocopy of this notice and the Speed Post delivery receipt safe. It is vital evidence for the court.)

4. e-Daakhil: Step-by-Step Online Filing

In 2026, the Government of India's edaakhil.nic.in portal allows you to file lawsuits entirely online.

1. Registration: Create a user account on the e-Daakhil portal.
2. Draft Complaint: Click on 'File a New Case'. Add the electricity department (e.g., Managing Director, UPPCL) as the 'Opposite Party'.
3. Upload Documents: Upload the disputed bill, your written applications, the Legal Notice, and the postal receipt in PDF format.
4. Pay Fees: Pay the nominal court fee via the secure payment gateway.
5. Hearings: Many district commissions now allow consumers to attend hearings virtually via Video Conferencing.

5. Court Fees & Lawyer Expenses (Cost Analysis)

People fear that court cases cost lakhs. However, the Consumer Court is designed for the common man.

Advocate Fees: If you fight the case yourself, the cost is ₹0. If you hire a lawyer to draft the complaint and attend hearings, they typically charge between ₹5,000 to ₹15,000. (You can ask the court to recover this amount from the utility company if you win).

6. How Much Compensation Can You Claim?

The Consumer Court doesn't just fix your bill; it penalizes the department for harassing you. In your formal 'Prayer' (Relief Sought), you can claim:

• Bill Rectification: Quashing of the illegal bill.
• Mental Agony: Compensation ranging from ₹20,000 to ₹50,000 for the stress and time wasted running to government offices.
• Litigation Costs: Reimbursement for lawyer fees, printing, and travel expenses (usually ₹10,000).
• Financial Loss: If appliances burnt due to high voltage, you can submit the repair bills and claim the exact amount.

7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Can I file a case for a wrong bill that is 10 years old?
No. Under the Consumer Protection Act, there is a strict 'Limitation Period'. You must file the case within 2 years from the Cause of Action (the date the dispute arose). Late cases are dismissed.

Q2. Can the electricity department disconnect my power while the case is running?
If you request an interim 'Stay Order' from the judge on the first hearing, the department is legally barred from disconnecting your power supply until the final verdict is pronounced.

Q3. What is the difference between Lok Adalat and Consumer Forum?
Lok Adalat is for 'Mutual Settlement' where both parties compromise. The Consumer Forum is a judicial body that passes binding orders and can impose heavy financial penalties on the utility company based on evidence.