HAMIRPUR: Lalit Dhiman, a small-scale concrete business owner, was left stunned when he received an electricity bill amounting to a staggering Rs 2,10,42,08,405 (Rs 210 crore).
Shocked by the astronomical figure, Dhiman immediately reported the matter to the authorities. Following an investigation, officials discovered the massive bill was the result of a technical error. The electricity department quickly corrected the mistake, revising the bill to the accurate amount of Rs 4,047.
Ashish Kapoor, an officer from the power department, stated that the error likely stemmed from an incorrect meter reading entered into the system. "It was a software malfunction that led to the consumer receiving an incorrect bill. The issue has since been rectified. We have summoned the concerned SDO with all the details and will take action if any lapses are found," Kapoor stated.
The superintendent of the Hamirpur Zone has summoned the Sub Divisional Officer (SDO) to verify records as part of the investigation. The SDO has also been instructed to implement measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
Meanwhile, earlier last month, at a time when a hue and cry is being raised over the installation of smart meters by Assam Power Distribution Company Ltd. (APDCL) in households, it has emerged that Assam has installed the highest number of smart meters in the country. It is even more concerning that APDCL has installed more smart meters in rural areas of the state than in urban centres.
It should be noted that smart meters are being installed across the country under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), which was launched by the central government in July 2021.