Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, July 21: Residents in the city are raising their voices against discrepancies in electricity bills, particularly following the installation of smart meters, and are expressing dissatisfaction with the grievance resolution mechanism in place.
In the Chattabal area, several people have reported receiving electricity bills that do not align with the meter readings, causing inconvenience and confusion.
Mohsin Bhat, a resident of Chattabal, shared his ordeal, stating, “For June, I received a bill of over Rs 900. After filing a complaint, I was surprised to get a revised bill of Rs 1600 for the same month. Upon visiting the concerned officials, they asked me to pay Rs 900 again. I’ve received three different bills for one month, and none of them match the meter reading.”
Mohsin’s case is not an isolated incident; many households in the area are facing similar variations and anomalies in their electricity bills. Some residents have experienced flat bills, adding to the confusion and frustration. They blame the situation on the recent installation of smart meters.
Adding to the woes, consumers in other areas have also reported not receiving their due bills, leading to uncertainties in billing and payment processes.
Abid Ahmad, a resident of Alouchi Bagh, shared his concerns, saying, “In June, meters were installed, but we are yet to receive the bills. Normally, I receive the bill on the 10th of every month, but this time, the bills are nowhere to be found. This ambiguity is causing anxiety about the bill amount and the payment process.”
Mohsin even posted a video showing his attempt to seek resolution at the Data Centre in Bemina, where he claims officials allegedly attempted to push him out of the office without addressing his issue.
“People are left on their own, with officials hardly trying to address consumer issues. My complaint continues to remain unattended,” he lamented.
Despite the concerns and complaints, officials from the Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) declined to comment on the record.
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