In Madhya Pradesh, the smart meters being installed by the electricity department are becoming a source of trouble for consumers rather than relief. Complaints are emerging from several districts in the state where consumers are being charged electricity bills far exceeding their actual consumption. Consumers in cities like Bhopal, Sehore, and Burhanpur are distressed and protesting on the streets over the increasing bills.
Bills up to 15,000—Consumers' Anger Erupts
In many areas of the state, consumers have complained that where their electricity bill previously ranged from 200 to 500 rupees, it has suddenly increased to between 5,000 and 15,000 rupees. Even in simple two-room houses, bills are so high, where there is neither air conditioning nor a cooler.
Smart meters have been recently installed in the Nariyalkheda area of Bhopal, and many residents here are shocked and troubled by the sudden increase in bills. People allege that the meter readings do not match the actual usage.
There was also a case where a person's mother passed away, and there was a one-day delay in paying the bill, and the department disconnected their electricity connection. This has further increased the resentment.
Protests and Queues
Protests have intensified across the state over the significant increase in electricity bills. Long queues are forming outside the electricity department offices in Bhopal, where people have come to get their bills corrected. In Sehore, angry consumers gheraoed the Collector's office to register their protest.
The situation has become so serious that smart meters are being installed in many places under the supervision of security forces to prevent protests. In Burhanpur, the Congress party called for a city-wide shutdown on Tuesday, which was clearly visible in the markets. The common people say that since the smart meters have been installed, their bills have increased tremendously, which is directly affecting the common man's pocket.
18 Lakh Smart Meters Installed
According to the electricity department's data, 18 lakh smart meters have been installed in the state so far, and the department aims to install 50 lakh meters by the year 2027. The department claims that these meters provide accurate information on electricity consumption and bring more technical transparency.
However, amid the rising complaints, Senior PRO of the Electricity Department, Manoj Dwivedi, has said that complaints were received from some areas like Sagar and Vidisha, which have been resolved. He also said that if any complaint comes from any other area, it will be investigated and action will be taken if necessary.
Government Ministers Also Concerned
When asked about this issue, Minister Lakhan Patel in the Mohan government acknowledged that he was also receiving complaints of discrepancies in electricity bills. He said, "I have also received complaints of bill increases, and I have ordered an investigation into this."
Now that even the government ministers are acknowledging that there are discrepancies in electricity bills, it has become necessary for the electricity department to take these complaints seriously and conduct a comprehensive and impartial investigation. People need to be assured that smart meters are beneficial to them, not a financial burden.