- Smart meters trigger bill shock in Bhopal
Bhopal: The installation of smart electricity meters in Bhopal has sparked outrage among residents, with multiple households reporting a drastic spike in their monthly electricity bills — despite minimal consumption. The issue has caused such distress that in some cases, families are struggling to keep the lights on.
Anubhuti, a resident of Barkhedi, shared that her elderly mother, Archana Dhurve, lives in a small two-room house with just one fan and two bulbs. Yet, their August electricity bill totaled Rs 2,149, a tenfold increase from the Rs 150-200 they paid monthly before smart meters were installed. “Initially, my mother mortgaged her jewellery to pay the bills. Now, she can’t afford to pay at all,” Priyanka said, adding that there are regular threats of power disconnection.
Inflated bills range from Rs 2,000 to 20,000
Similar cases emerge in Barkhedi, Jahangirabad, and Kumharpura. Residents reported inflated bills ranging from Rs 2,000 to a staggering Rs 20,000 — despite limited electricity usage.
So far, 2.10 lakh smart meters have been installed in Bhopal, with a target of 6 lakh. However, mounting opposition — including from both Congress and BJP MLAs — has forced authorities to temporarily halt further installations.
As public anger grows, the electricity company defends smart meters, claiming accurate readings. Meanwhile, residents are left seeking answers — and relief — from a system meant to improve transparency but now mired in controversy.
