Fast meters installed in 40 lakh houses of UP? Outcry over sudden increase in electricity bill

News India Live, Digital Desk: Smart prepaid meters being installed in Uttar Pradesh in the name of modernizing the electricity system have now become a headache for consumers. On one hand, the Energy Department has crossed the mark of installing these meters in 40 lakh houses of the state, while on the other hand, there is an outcry among the consumers over the high and fast bills. The matter has escalated so much that it has now reached the doorstep of the Electricity Regulatory Commission.

Uttar Pradesh State Electricity Consumers Council has filed a petition in the Regulatory Commission against these meters, in which serious problems related to consumers have been raised.

Why is there an uproar over smart meters?

Ever since the installation of smart prepaid meters, consumers have been continuously complaining that their electricity bills have suddenly increased. People allege that these meters run much faster than normal meters, causing a heavy burden on their pockets.

What is in the consumer council’s petition?

The Consumer Council, in its petition filed in the Regulatory Commission, has raised serious questions on the functioning of these meters. Council Chairman Awadhesh Kumar Verma says that these meters are not following the standards of Metering Regulation, 2006 made by the Central Electricity Authority.

The petition mainly demands that:

The Regulatory Commission has accepted this petition and asked the Power Corporation to file a reply.

What does Power Corporation say?

On the other hand, Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL) claims that these meters are completely accurate and have brought transparency in the billing process. He says that due to technical flaws in old meters, correct readings were sometimes not given, whereas smart meters give accurate readings, due to which some people may find the bill increased.

However, the dispute regarding these meters which have reached 40 lakh houses is now at the threshold of the Regulatory Commission. Now it remains to be seen whether consumers get any relief in this matter or they will have to continue to bear the brunt of ‘high’ bills due to ‘smart’ meters.