KOCHI: The Ernakulam District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has ordered a compensation of Rs 2.70 lakh to a consumer over the installation of a substandard and outdated solar power plant.
The commission’s order was based on a complaint filed by Francis John, a native of Muvattupuzha, against Reecco Energy India of Thodupuzha. The complainant installed a solar power plant in his house with the assurance of getting a five-year warranty and an additional five-year warranty. Rs 2,55,760 was paid for the installation purpose. Soon after the installation, the plant went out of business. By this time the complainant received an additional electricity bill of Rs 2,723. Normally the electricity bill would have been only Rs 200.
A bench headed by Adv D Binu observed that after spending a substantial amount on solar panels, the customer did not get the results as promised. The opposite parties were ordered to pay Rs 2,55,760 as expenses and Rs 15,000 as compensation towards court costs to the customer within 45 days. Advocate Tom Joseph appeared for the complainant.