Section 17(4) in The Regulations for Consumer Grievance Redressal Forum and Electricity Ombudsman, 2004
(4)No complaint to the Electricity Ombudsman shall lie unless -(a)The complainant had before making a complaint to the Electricity Ombudsman made a written representation to the forum of the licensee named in the complaint and either the forum had rejected the complaint or the complainant had not received any reply within a period of two months from the date of filing of the grievance or the complainant is not satisfied with the reply given to him by the forum. This shall, however, not be applicable to the complaints of common nature described under clause 17 (1);(b)The complaint is made within three months after cause of action has arisen;(c)The complaint, which is not settled, is not in respect of the same subject, which was settled through the office of the Electricity Ombudsman in any previous proceedings whether received from the same complainant or along with one or more complainants or anyone or more of the parties concerned with the subject matter;(d)The complaint does not pertain to the same subject matter for which any proceedings before any Court is pending or a decree or award or a filial order has already been passed by any competent Court; and(e)The complaint is not frivolous or vexatious in nature.
