Will electricity rates not increase now? After the uproar over smart meters, the Consumer Council made a big demand:

News India Live, Digital Desk: UP Electricity Bill Complaint: The ruckus over electricity bills in Uttar Pradesh is not showing any signs of stopping. Ever since smart meters have been installed in the state, complaints from consumers have increased that their bills have started coming in higher than before. Now Uttar Pradesh State Electricity Consumers Council has made a big claim regarding this matter, due to which serious questions have been raised on the functioning of the electricity department.

What did the Consumer Council say in the report?

State Electricity Consumer Council Chairman Awadhesh Kumar Verma has issued a detailed report claiming that after the installation of smart meters, instead of reducing the electricity bills of the consumers, on an average have increased by 15 to 20 percentThe council says that the electricity companies were claiming that installation of smart meters will stop electricity theft and consumers will get correct bills, which will reduce the bills. But the reality has turned out to be just the opposite.

Awadhesh Verma said, “This is a very serious matter. On one hand, power companies are complaining about losses and are pressurizing them to increase electricity rates, while on the other hand, consumers are being robbed in the name of smart meters.” He alleged that complaints of overruns in some meters have become common and despite hearing, consumers are not getting any relief.

The council made this big demand from the regulatory commission

Considering the seriousness of this entire matter, the Consumer Council has met the Chairman and members of Uttar Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission and filed a petition. In this petition the Council has demanded that:

1. A high level inquiry committee should be constituted: This committee should impartially investigate the smart meters installed in the entire state and the increased bills after their installation.
2. Rates should not be increased until investigation is completed: Until this investigation is completed and it is clear whether the meters are working properly or not, there should be no increase in electricity rates.
3. Action should be taken against responsible officials: If during investigation it is found that there are irregularities in the meters, then strict action should be taken against the officers and meter manufacturing companies responsible for this.

The Council has warned that if the Regulatory Commission does not take any concrete steps on this matter soon, they will take to the streets and protest for the rights of consumers. This matter has once again raised questions on the reliability of smart meters and the intentions of the electricity companies. Now it remains to be seen what stand the Regulatory Commission takes on this.