Patna, Oct. 18: Muzaffarpur residents would have to wait a tad longer for electricity supply to improve owing to delay in installing energy meters by Bihar State Power (Holding) Company Ltd.

Mumbai-based Essel Adi Smart Grid Solutions Ltd was scheduled to take over the job of a distribution franchisee from October 1 after Essel was selected in March through a competitive bidding by Bihar State Power (Holding) Company Ltd.

The power franchisee would start operations from November 1.

Essel will launch its services under the banner of Essel Vidyut Vitaran (Muzaffarpur) Ltd.

The work of an energy meter (also known as main meter) is to calculate the power drawn by the distribution franchisee in the area.

The power company was scheduled to install the meters at 16 places in the Muzaffarpur distribution franchisee area, sources said, adding that Essel has installed check meters over the energy meters.

“Essel was set to take over the distribution franchisee’s job by October 1 but the takeover was postponed by a month owing to delay in installing energy meters at various places by the power firm,” an Essel official told The Telegraph.

On why the franchisee work was not handed over in the middle of the month, the official said the billing cycle would be hampered if it is not done from the first day of the month.

Muzaffarpur, the commercial hub of north Bihar, would be the first city in the state where a private power distribution firm would supply electricity.

The supply, billing and maintenance would be taken care of by the Mumbai-based Essel Adi Smart Grid Ltd.

Essel sources said Muzaffarpur residents would experience a change in the supply system from April 2014, while they would enjoy better customer care facilities from November 1.

To provide efficient power distribution services in Muzaffarpur, the distribution franchisee would set up a 24x7 consumer helpline, Essel sources said.

The sources added that consumers could register their complaints through call centres at any time. Customers can also request for new service connections, information on electricity supply, billing, payments, faulty meter replacement and others.

North Bihar Power Distribution Company Ltd managing director Sanjay Kumar Agrawal said the power company officials would help Essel officials to ensure a smooth takeover.

“Essel will take over the distribution franchisee’s job from November 1. However, we will assist officials and employees of the private distribution company for the next two to three months as part of a hand holding measure. Our officials would help their employees to understand the system and work accordingly. The private firm officials are already in talks to study the system,” Agrawal said.

The power scenario vis-à-vis supply is expected to improve after the distribution network is handed over to the private power firm in Muzaffarpur.

The appointment of the franchisee is also expected to improve supply maintenance work of lines, power sub-stations, transformers and others.

The power distribution company presently undertakes all the work.

The franchisee’s job would also be to distribute bills, take down metre readings, collect revenue, maintain low-tension lines, attend fuse-off calls and others.