Consumers complain about absurd hike in electricity bill, APDCL clarifies it as misleading claim

way2barak, Sept.15: The electricity bill issued to the consumers in Silchar has invited sharp criticism of APDCL. Many consumers even took to social media platforms to air their grievance. “During the summer, my electricity bill usually comes for a maximum of Rs.2,700. However, this September, I was surprised to find that APDCL has billed me Rs.4,275,” claimed a resident of Progressive Mansion at Public School Road. Another user, who has got pre-paid meter installed at his flat at Ambicapatty said, “Surprisingly, within just 15 days, Rs.3,500 which I charged was exhausted. Earlier, my bill never exceeded Rs.2,500.” Such instances could be multiplied. This raised fingers towards APDCL involved in “absurd billing.”

However, on 15 September, 2022, Chief General Manager (CGM), PP&D of APDCL, Silchar issued a written statement “Information for all Consumers of APDCL”, wherein he stated that the claims made on social media and news dailies about hike in electricity bill are misleading. The statement read, “It has come to our notice that various news items / articles are being published in various news dailies as well as social media platforms regarding increase in electricity bills due to the installation of Smart Meters. Please be informed that installation of smart meters does not lead to increase in electricity bills. Smart Meters are electronic meters with two-way communication capability for remote reading of meters. There are no differences between old static electronic meters and new smart meters regarding measurement of electricity as both of them follow the same BIS standards for electrical metrology i.e., IS 13779.” This statement by the CGM was shared by APDCL Silchar Electrical Sub- Division II in its official Facebook Page on Thursday night.

The CGM of APDCL further wrote, “The increase in monthly electricity bills in the recent months can be attributed to the fact that there has been significant increase in electricity consumption in the month of July and August 2022 due to scorching heat and less rain compared to the previous months. Moreover, the electricity consumption of all domestic consumers generally increases in the month of July, August and September every year across the State due to peak Summer Season.”

“APDCL has been installing smart meters in various areas of Assam since January 2020. Moreover, Ministry of Power, Govt. of India vide its gazette notification dtd. 17.08.2021 has mandated that all consumers shall be supplied electricity with Smart Meter in pre-payment mode in a phased manner within March 2025. Accordingly, APDCL has undertaken various projects for replacement of the existing meters of the Consumers with Smart Prepaid Meters. APDCL’s efforts have been appreciated by many consumers as these Meters are beneficial to the consumers only owing to the accurate measurement of electricity without any human intervention which results in preparation of correct bills based on actual consumption of electricity. With Smart Meters, Consumers can also track his/her electricity consumption through a mobile app (Smart Bijulee) and use electricity judiciously. Smart Meters have also led to reduction of commercial losses in the concerned areas. APDCL requests its valuable consumers to cooperate in this endeavour,” the statement by APDCL read.

 But whatever may be the official explanation of APDCL, the written statement failed to have any convincing effect upon the consumers. A retired school teacher who resides at Lane No.3, Sonai Road, Silchar blatantly stated, “Is it for the first time that we are experiencing scorching heat and less rain during July, August and September? Does APDCL think us to be so dull and fool? Since last 35 years, I had been managing the expenses of my family. Yes, I do agree that during the summer, the consumption of electricity increases, but never ever it was billed at such a ghostly rate! APDCL in its official statement has tried to divert the issue by harping on smart meters. But still I would like to say with firm conviction that the bill served to us in this month by APDCL is ofcourse an inflated one.” Similar claims were made by many other consumers of Silchar town who too were reluctant to digest the claims made by APDCL in its official statement issued on Thursday.