[Resolved]  Reliance Energy — Payment declined but CC charged

Address:

Mumbai Suburban, Maharashtra

Reliance Energy
Account Number:[protected]
Credit Card #: **** **** **** 3174

I had a payment of INR 1360 due for electricity consumption for the month of June 2010. Due date was 25th July 2010.

On 25th July, at around 12 AM in the morning I attempted to make an online payment for my electricity bill using my HDFC credit card.

I filled all the details, entered the appropriate password and Submitted the payment. Reliance Energy website said "Sorry. Payment Could not be made due to Network delays. Please try again"
I tried this again. And, got the same error message.
I tried two more times, and the same message.

Then I started getting SMS updates from HDFC (four updates) of payment made to Reliance Energy Bill Desk. Thus, I was charged INR 5440 for a bill due of INR 1360.

I called up Reliance Energy customer care for a clarification and refund.
They said that I will have to visit their regional office on working day between 10:30AM to 5:30PM to start a refund process. When I requested to escalate, the other guy said "we will adjust in future bills."

Complaints:
1. When the Reliance Energy Website says ""Sorry. Payment Could not be made due to Network delays. Please try again." how can they charge some one's credit card. This is fraud.
Also, this causes grave incovenience. I might have gone onto attempt payment many times and exhausted my credit card's limit completely. If they have an issue with their portal. They should not give messages saying "Please try again."

2. Since, I was charged INR 4080 above my bill online due to an error on Reliance Energy's part, why should I skip my work for a day to get my refund?
I should be given full refund back into my Credit Card Account ASAP.

3. Also, why should I adjust my payments in the future. If I am to vacate my apartment next month, why should I follow up my land lord for refunds?

Kindly, take this up with the concrened authorities and help me get a refund without I having to take the trouble to visit Reliance Energy's divisional office on a working day.

Also, ensure that such unstable payment gateways should be banned and companies that are not able to maintain their web portals properly for financial transactions should not have a right to collect payments online.

Thanks and regards,
Aneesh Bhandari
(+[protected]