Guwahati: The residents of Guwahati, Assam have repeatedly complained about increasing tariff rises in Guwahati after the installation of smart meters. These meters provide a way of measuring electricity consumption in near real-time.
According to various media reports, the smart meter's report cards have been "perfect" in Assam. The deadline for installing smart meters, which were launched in Assam in 2022, is 2025. The budget for the completion of the entire project is Rs 4500 crores. As per the department's claim, this step has "decreased energy losses and created employment opportunities" for around 5,000 youth.
However, consumers have complained that they have been billed huge amounts of money since these meters were introduced. Residents from various places informed Business North East that they are now forced to pay more tariffs. “Each day, we have to pay Rs 130," a city resident complained to this platform. Meanwhile, others have complained that they are unaware of how to check their bills.
Is there any credence to these allegations? To discover the truth, Business North East reached out to the Assam Power Distribution Company Limited (APDCL).
"That tariffs are being increased is a myth," a customer care executive informed this platform. "Those who have kept their bills pending are charged more. It is now taken in installments from the defaulters." The official further insisted that customers need not panic as the bills are charged "as per usage."
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