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Unlike many power utilities, these power distributors have come up with telecom operator-like strategies. For example, Tata Power set-up 76 acquisition camps covering western and central areas of the city. It has also been distributing pamphlets in target areas to create awareness.
“Over the last week a total of 3,160 forms have been received from customers requesting the changeover to the network with several more expected over the next few days of the camps,” Tata Power, said in a press release.
On the other hand, Reliance Infrastructure is also upping the ante in servicing its 2.8 million customers. They launched an online chat service last month, where consumers can get their queries answered online.
“Consumers can now chat online with company representatives and their grievances resolved on a real-time basis. They can also get guidance regarding application status, bill related issues, payment options, and other procedural information,” said Reliance Infrastructure.
RInfra claims that this move makes them the country's first power utility launch a service to handle consumer queries real-time. This service will be available between 8 am to 5 pm, for seven days a week.
Increased 'power marketing' in Mumbai come in after both the companies have been battling for consumers. Tata Power has been aggressively adding subscribers in the suburbs of Mumbai, which had earlier been the domain of Reliance Power. Tata now has around 350,000 consumers, and has been on an overdrive to win more of them into its fold.
Anil Sardana, managing director of Tata Power said that conducting camps would aid switchover of consumers to their distribution network. “It is our constant endeavour to expand our residential customer base in Mumbai. We are extremely pleased with the results of this camp so far and look forward to reaching out to several other customers through further initiatives of this nature,” he said.
