1. The contention of the complainant is that he has got connection against No.02-15441-0091903 in Model Town A, Bahawalpur; that he checked his meter on 19-10-2011 at 11:30 pm and found it missing; that he made a complaint number 138/C dated 19-10-2011 and informed the MEPCO office on 20-10-2011 that his meter is missing and supply of electricity has been disconnected; that respondent asked the complainant that made a complaint to the police, then new meter will be installed. He got entered a report with the police on 21-10-2011. Copy of report is attached with the complaint. The respondent has not installed the meter up till now. Whereas, it is responsibility of the respondent to install meter without any charges as the meter was fixed with the poll outside house of the complainant. The complainant has issued legal notice to the respondent but he has not taken any step thereon. Hence, this complaint.
2. From the other side, the version of the respondent is that it is responsibility of the consumer to keep watch on the meter after its installation by the WAPDA. If the meter is stolen, the consumer is bond to make its payment of Rs.2250/-. According to the respondent, the complaint is liable to be dismissed.
3. After hearing the arguments and perusal of the record, I have observed that it is an admitted fact that the meter was installed on the poll situated outside house of the complainant. The complainant has produced a copy of legal notice Mark-A and original receipt Ex-P1. He further has placed on record photo copy of the complaint made by him Mark-B and copy of the rapport Mark- C. He further has produced copy of the letter issued by General Manager (Customer Services)
4. WAPDA House, Lahore Mark-D. Wherein, in para No.4 it has been directed "in cases wherein meters are installed on poles or outside the premises then the damaged/burnt meters etc will be replaced without recovering any cost from a consumer". So, it is clear that it is responsibility of the WAPDA to install meter free of cost. The respondent has taken wrong version that WAPDA is not responsible for the theft of meter and it is duty of the customer to pay the costs of the meter. Therefore, the petition in hand is allowed and respondent is directed to install meter of the complainant free of cost. As the complainant has suffered physical and mental torture therefore, he is compensated by damages of Rs.10,000/- to be paid by the respondent to him. File be put up for execution on 30-07- 2012.