Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): High electricity bills due to the installation of smart meters has sparked public outrage in Bhopal. Angry, residents and Congress leaders gheraoed the Govindpura electricity office on Saturday, demanding immediate solution of the issue.
More than 1.5 lakh smart meters have been installed across the city as part of an initiative to stop electricity theft. However, residents alleged that their bills have increased since the installation. Complaints have been made daily with citizens claiming irrelevant charges and inflated readings.
Congress leader accused the electricity company of exploiting the public under the name of technological upgrades. He said “The government promised a smart city, but instead of that people are being robbed smartly,”. Protesters also raised concerns about drawbacks in solar electricity billing which stated that homes with solar panels are also receiving inflated bills.
Slogans were raised at the gates of the electricity office with public demanding an immediate rollback of smart meters and a proper audit of the billing system. Congress spokespersons Mukesh Panthee, Bijendra Shukla, Amit Khatri, Sandeep Sirvaiya, Tariq Ali, and Balram Lodhi supported the protest, highlighting the growing public distrust.
Residents have warned of intensifying the anger if correct action is not taken soon. The electricity company has yet to release an official statement.
