Smart Meters Do Not Increase Electricity Bills

Real-time consumption information allows consumers to control electricity usage themselves. Mor Bijli App helps in making consumers aware. Raipur, To address consumer concerns regarding smart electricity meters, the electricity department has clarified that smart meters do not increase electricity bills; they only generate accurate bills based on actual consumption. The department states that if a consumer's bill has increased, the primary reason is higher electricity consumption and reaching a higher tariff slab, not the smart meter. The most significant feature of a smart meter is that it provides consumers with real-time information on their electricity consumption. Through the Mor Bijli app, consumers can view their electricity consumption every half hour. This makes it easy to understand which electrical appliances are consuming the most electricity and what measures can be taken to reduce consumption. According to experts, previously consumers only came to know about their consumption when they received their electricity bill at the end of the month. With smart meters, consumers can continuously monitor their consumption throughout the month. This allows for control over unnecessary electricity usage and can also reduce the bill. The electricity department has explained that electricity rates in the state are applied according to set slabs. Rates are fixed at Rs 4.40 per unit for 0-100 units, Rs 4.50 per unit for 101-200 units, Rs 6 per unit for 201-400 units, Rs 7 for 401-600 units, and Rs 8.80 per unit for consumption above 601 units. As electricity consumption crosses into the next slab, the bill naturally increases. This has no relation to the smart meter. According to the department, due to the intense heat in April, May, and June this year, the use of ACs, coolers, and other electrical appliances increased in most households. This led to increased electricity consumption and higher bills for many consumers. This situation is related to the weather and consumption, not the functioning of the smart meter. Another significant benefit of smart meters is that consumers can plan in advance to keep their monthly consumption below 400 units. This allows them to continue receiving benefits from the state government's Half Electricity Scheme. If consumption exceeds 400 units, the scheme's benefits are affected, and the bill increases. The department states that smart meters provide consumers with an opportunity to avoid such situations in time. The electricity department also mentioned that in investigations of complaints received regarding smart meters, the meters were found to be correct in most cases. If any consumer has a meter-related complaint, they can contact 1912. The department has appealed to consumers to use smart meters and the Mor Bijli app as much as possible, regularly monitor electricity consumption, and reduce electricity bills by adopting energy conservation. Additionally, under the Prime Minister's Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, rooftop solar systems can be installed to further reduce or eliminate electricity bills.