Smart meter nightmare: Himachal man gets over Rs 1 lakh bill for 20 days’ power usage

The much-publicised smart meter scheme of the state government, introduced to ensure transparency and convenience of consumers, has reportedly become a cause of anxiety for several residents. In Dehra subdivision of Kangra district, a consumer had received an electricity bill of over Rs 1 lakh for just 20 days of usage, leaving the entire family stunned.Nishant Kumar, a shopkeeper and resident of Honta village near Dadasiba, had got a smart meter installed at his residence recently. According to him, only basic appliances such as fans, lights and a television are used in his home. However, when he received a bill of Rs 100,200 for mere 20 days of power consumption, he was left in disbelief.Nishant immediately approached the local electricity board office to lodge a complaint. Upon investigation, officials of Dehra electricity division, led by an Executive Engineer, found that the inflated bill was not based on actual power consumption. Instead, it was attributed to a technical glitch in data transmission and a software update issue in the system.The department promptly rectified the error and issued a revised bill of around Rs 600, providing relief to the affected family. However, this is not an isolated case. Just two days ago, a similar incident was reported in Jawali where the owner of a closed shop received a bill of Rs 83,000. Such recurring cases have raised serious concern over the functioning and technical reliability of smart meters.In several parts of the state, residents are openly opposing the installation of smart meters. They allege that instead of enhancing transparency, the new system is creating confusion and distress. The issue has also drawn political attention, as the BJP is targeting the government over the implementation of the digital initiative.The Electricity Department has urged consumers not to panic if they notice any abnormality in their bills. Officials have appealed to the public to immediately report discrepancies to the nearest electricity board office so that technical errors can be corrected without delay. It has said that these are teething troubles since this system has been launched for the first time.Closed shop in Jawali gets Rs 83,000 billNishant Kumar, a shopkeeper and resident of Honta village near Dadasiba, had got a smart meter installed at his residence recentlyHe says that only basic appliances such as fans, lights and a television are used in his homeHowever, he received a bill of Rs 100,200 for mere 20 days of power consumptionTwo days ago, the owner of a closed shop in Jawali had received a electricity bill of Rs 83,000In several parts of the state, residents are openly opposing the installation of smart metersThey allege that instead of enhancing transparency, the new system is creating confusion and distress

Smart meter nightmare: Himachal man gets over Rs 1 lakh bill for 20 days’ power usage

Error attributed to technical glitch in data transmission and software update issue, revised to Rs 600

Ravinder Sood

Smart meter nightmare: Himachal man gets over Rs 1 lakh bill for 20 days’ power usage

Error attributed to technical glitch in data transmission and software update issue, revised to Rs 600

Ravinder Sood

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