Shillong, Sep 27: The Achik State Peoples Front (ASPF) has filed a complaint with the Sub-Divisional Officer, MePDCL in Garobadha over irregular meter reading and wrong billing.
“For several months, electricity meters were not checked regularly. Instead, bills were prepared on average or estimated values, showing very low consumption,” the organisation said.
Pointing out that on August 13, when readings were finally taken, many consumers suddenly received abnormally high bills — in some cases more than Rs 11,000 in a single cycle. “This clearly indicates that units of several months were all added together at once, which is unfair and has placed a heavy financial burden on ordinary villagers,” it added.
It also cited that in one of the village households, the actual meter reading is 576 kWh, but the bill shows the previous reading as 586 kWh and the current reading as 643 kWh. “Such a bill is completely illogical because the “previous” reading shown is higher than the actual meter’s current reading. This proves that bills are being issued without proper verification of meters, causing confusion and unnecessary harassment to consumers,” ASPF said.
The organisation also submitted copies of the affected bills to the office and demanded immediate verification of all doubtful bills and correct wrong bills.
It demanded the office to ensure proper monthly meter readings and to inquire into the lapses and take strict action against those found responsible.
“We also wish to state clearly that if such practices continue, villagers and consumers will continue to suffer under a heavy and unfair financial burden. This will only increase resentment and loss of trust in the system,” ASPF said.
