A wave of panic and anger has spread among consumers in various districts of West Bengal, especially in rural areas, regarding the installation of smart meters. Many allege that these meters are being installed forcibly without their consent, followed by electricity bills that are several times higher than usual. This has created widespread confusion and mistrust.
Forced Installation of Smart Meters and Unnatural Bill Hikes
The case of Sushanta Joseph and Pompa Joseph, residents of Bandel, is a glaring example of this problem. A smart meter was installed at their home last month, and the current month’s bill came to nearly ₹12,000, whereas their average bill used to be between ₹1,000 and ₹1,100. Pompa Joseph stated that they did not want a smart meter, but it was installed by force. Now, they feel helpless trying to pay this huge amount. She added that electricity workers suddenly disconnected their line and multiple people entered their home to change the meter despite her refusal.
Consumer Grievances and the Authority’s Response
According to a media report Pompa Joseph, there might be a fault with the smart meter itself, otherwise, how could the bill increase so drastically in one month? When she went to the electricity office to discuss the matter, she was told that accepting the new meter is mandatory, and they refused to show any official circular regarding this. Her husband, Sushanta, who lives in Gujarat, has emailed a complaint to the Chief Minister, the Power Minister, and the electricity department, requesting the reinstatement of their old meter.
In this context, Madhusudan Roy, the Regional Manager of the Hooghly Region Electricity Department, explained that previously, bills were generated quarterly, allowing consumers to pay in installments. With the transition to monthly billing, the first bill might include a three-month consumption period, making it appear higher. He assured that if consumers approach the customer service center, they can opt for installment payments for the initial high bill. He also added that there is nothing to fear about smart meters.
This incident highlights a lack of coordination between technology and its application. On one hand, while the government envisions a ‘Digital India’, on the other, technical glitches and improper implementation are increasing the harassment of ordinary people. It is essential to adequately inform consumers and obtain their consent before installing smart meters. Additionally, the billing process needs to be more transparent and understandable to avoid any confusion among customers. If such problems are not resolved quickly, the government’s ‘Digital India’ initiative will be called into question.
