Assam: APDCL Opens Helpline To Resolve Electricity Bill Complaints, Faulty Meters To Blame

GUWAHATI: Following a litany of complaints, Assam Power Distribution Company Limited (APDCL) on Wednesday released helpline numbers for consumers to register complaints, in a bid to address the issue of exorbitant monthly electricity bills in the state.

The APDCL, after releasing the helpline, informed that consumers can register their complaints on the number 1912.

Additionally, the consumers can also register their grievances related to exorbitant monthly bills through WhatsApp on the number 7575999666.

The power company further assured quick resolution of any complaints registered on the helpline numbers. They said that the bill would be amended following investigation of the complaints.

Minister Pijush Hazarika and even Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had admitted that faulty readings on the recently- installed smart meters were to blame for the abnormally high bills served to consumers. APDCL then promised to rectify the faulty smart meters following the CM's reprimand.

However, it may be noted that Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had on Tuesday asked customers having complaints with their monthly electricity bills to submit a formal application mentioning their issues.

CM Sarma said that the grievances will have to be addressed by customers to their regional APDCL offices.

After a request is raised, officials from the power department will visit their homes and examine their meter boxes, added the CM.

He further mentioned that in case any fault is found in their respective meter boxes, the monthly dues will be adjusted with the bill of the upcoming month.

The Sentinel had reported in July that APDCL's (Assam Power Distribution Company Ltd) installation of smart meters under the DBFOOT (Design Build Finance Own Operate Transfer) model is right on track to achieve smart meters for all by 2025.

The APDCL aims to install 6.2 lakh smart meters in the state under the Rs 566.33-crore Central Government's Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS). The APDCL has installed over two lakh smart meters from November 2021 to May 2022

The project is underway in Guwahati, which has around 2.50 lakh consumers. APDCL aims to ensure smart meters for all in the metropolitan city by September-October 2022.

According to APDCL sources, around 66 lakh power consumers in the state will get smart meters by 2025

An APDCL official had said at the time that smart meters bring transparency to meter reading and billing process leading to more consumers' trust in the company. It will enable consumers to monitor their electricity consumption and expenses through smartphones.

However, it seems that consumers have been taken for a ride as faulty meters led to high bills recently.

Also read: Assam: Minor Girl Dies After Being Hit By A Cash- Loaded ATM Van In Dhubri

Also watch: