Smart meters will enhance user convenience: HPSEBL

Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Limited (HPSEBL) is replacing old meters with smart ones in the state to enhance consumer convenience and ensure greater transparency in power billing, said Aman Kumar, Assistant Engineer of the HPSEBL, Bhuntar, in a press note issued here today.

He added that the ongoing drive for the installation of smart meters was being carried out on the directives of the state government and the process had been completed for all transformers, government offices, public sector undertakings and commercial consumers.

However, some domestic consumers were resisting the installation of smart meters. Aman said that apprehensions about higher electricity bills due to smart meters were completely unfounded. “The perception that smart meters generate inflated electricity bills is incorrect. Smart meters are designed to provide accurate and transparent readings,” he added.

He said, “If any consumer feels that his bill has increased after the installation of a smart meter, he should immediately report the matter to the electricity office concerned. The department is committed to addressing such complaints promptly and resolving genuine issues.”

Aman warned people against obstructing the government work. He said that if any consumer deliberately prevented the government staff from performing their duties and installing smart meters, the department would initiate action, as per the established rules. In such cases, the responsibility would rest solely with the consumer concerned. Meanwhile, the electricity board has appealed to consumers to cooperate with it in the initiative. It has emphasised that the meters were a key step towards modernising the distribution system and improving service delivery.