Haldwani’s Subhash Nagar area witnessed a case in which a consumer received an electricity bill exceeding ₹3 lakh a day after a smart meter was installed. Following a complaint, an investigation found a technical error, and the bill was revised to the actual amount of ₹2,600.
According to information provided, a smart meter was installed at the residence of Jasbir Kaur on Monday. The following day, the electricity bill reflected outstanding dues of more than ₹3 lakh.
The unusually high bill caused concern among family members. Gurvinder Singh, the consumer’s son, submitted a copy of the bill to the Energy Corporation office and requested an investigation into the matter.
After receiving the complaint, Energy Corporation officials examined the case. On the instructions of SDO UK Bhaskar, the bill was reviewed.
The investigation found that the amount had appeared abnormally high due to an adjustment of old records and a technical error.
After the review was completed, the bill was revised and a corrected electricity bill of ₹2,600 was issued to the consumer. Officials clarified that the amount was not linked to any additional electricity consumption but resulted from a technical issue.
Following the incident, local residents expressed dissatisfaction regarding smart meters. When a team assigned to install smart meters arrived in Subhash Nagar to fit meters at other homes, residents opposed the work and prevented the team from proceeding.
Several residents said such incidents were creating confusion and concern among consumers. Questions were also raised about the transparency and accuracy of the smart meter system.
Another case was reported in the same area where a consumer refused to replace an old meter with a smart meter.
The Energy Corporation team stated that the consumer had already been issued a notice. According to officials, the electricity connection was disconnected after the consumer failed to cooperate despite being given notice and sufficient time under the prescribed procedure.
The Energy Corporation said the smart meter scheme is being implemented in phases and that all consumers are required to comply with the rules.
While the issue involving the bill of more than ₹3 lakh has been resolved, the incident has intensified discussion and debate among residents regarding smart meters.
