Reliance Energy first in India to launch Braille bill

Company release, March 14, 2005

Mumbai

Reliance Energy has launched its power bill in Braille – the special language for its visually-impaired consumers in Mumbai. For the first time in India’s utility companies history, such a document in the form of power bill is being made available in Braille.The Braille bill was inaugurated today by Shri Amitabh Bachchan at the special ceremony held at the National Association for the Blind, India (NAB) premises. This unique service would be available free of cost for its customers in Mumbai city, with immediate effect.

Further, it also announced the launch of ‘Prarambh’ – a project specially designed to promote Braille literacy, in collaboration with NAB. This long-term project is targeted to reach out to the estimated 35,000 visually impaired citizens of Mumbai, a large number of which did not have the privilege to learn the basic skills of reading & writing in Braille – a special language for blinds, invented by French named Louis Braille in 1820s.

The unique aspect of this project is that trained teachers will teach Braille and basic mobility skills to the enrolled students by personally reaching to the locations in the vicinity of their homes. The implementation of Prarambh project would be managed by NAB and will be monitored periodically by Reliance Energy.

The blind customers or any of their friends or relatives will be able to request for a Braille bill or nominate for Braille literacy programme by calling 24-hour PowerHelp 3030 3030 or logging on to website www.rel.co.in or visiting any of the 52 Reliance Energy’s collection centre.

Mr. Lalit Jalan, Executive Director of Reliance Energy said – “Our goal is to offer world class services that make life easier and simpler for our customers. In last one year, we have introduced innovative services like simplified bill format, option of 19 languages for the power bill, multiple payment options, revamped world class Customer Care Centres and a 24-hour helpline – PowerHelp 3030 3030. The introduction of Braille bill is yet another significant step that is redefining the way we look at the concept of Utility Marketing. With a series of such unique initiatives led by Reliance Energy, it is perhaps apt to say that an era of professional Utility Marketing has finally begun”.

“Braille serves the same function for the visually impaired as print does for the sighted. It can be employed to read and write just like any sighted person. With this, these about 35,000 special customers would be able to easily read critical information on the bill such as power consumption, details of charges, where to call up for help and other important information which we regularly cover in our bills “ he said.

“We believe that what these special citizens expect is the right of equal opportunity. And the only way to make this possible is by adopting an approach of ‘inclusiveness’ towards such special customers. We need to consider their needs as important as any other customer and create products and services that suit their needs. Mere monetary support does not make any material impact on the ground ” he concluded.

Dr. Rajendra T. Vyas, Honorary Secretary General, NAB said – “ Reliance Energy’s initiatives is a positive step in improving education and training for the blind in Mumbai. The company’s move in this direction, would be a forerunner in inspiring various other corporates as well as the government’s legislative action in future. It defines a turning point in changing the attitudes and perceptions towards visually-challenged citizens of this country.”

At the launch ceremony, Shri Amitabh Bachchan, who has recently performed the role of a teacher for a visually impaired girl in the movie ‘Black’, empathised with the issues pertaining to blind and appreciated Reliance Energy’s efforts in this direction. He said

“ We still have a lot of education to do to convince people that visually impaired persons will be much more literate if they learn Braille. This new initiative of Reliance Energy will go a long way in improving Braille literacy levels amongst visually impaired.”

Amongst other distinguished guests, ranging from noted industry leaders, academicians, consumer groups, NGO’s the ceremony was presided by Energy Minister (Government of Maharashtra) - Shri Dilip Walse-Patil. Mrs. Tina Ambani also attended the function.

Reliance Energy Ltd :

Reliance Energy Ltd., a member of the Reliance Group, is India’s leading private sector utility group, with aggregate estimated group revenues of Rs 7,700 crore (US $ 1.8 billion) and total assets of Rs 9,800 crore (US $ 2.2 billion).

The group distributes nearly 16,000 million units of power to over 5 million consumers in Mumbai, Delhi, Orissa and Goa, across an area covering 1,24,300 sq. kms.

Reliance Energy generates 941 MW of power, through its power plants located in Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Karnataka and Goa.

Reliance Energy is ranked amongst India’s top 20 listed private companies in terms of all major financial parameters, including assets, sales, profits and market capitalization.

For further information, please contact:

Sangram Mohanty,

Addl. vice-president,

Corporate Communications,

Reliance Energy Ltd,

Mob: 9323550630