Smart Meters’ won’t affect free power subsidy or increase bills
2 min read
The Spokesperson of Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Limited (HPSEBL) today here stated that the installation of smart electricity meters in the State would not affect the provision of subsidy, i.e. free electricity up to 125 units, nor will it lead to any increase in electricity bills.
The spokesperson said that at present 7.5 lakh Smart meters have been installed across the State. A smart meter was only a device for measuring electricity consumption, just like a conventional meter and it does not change tariff rates or billing policies in any manner. He said that the ongoing opposition and misleading narratives on social media were the result of lack of correct information, where facts were being misrepresented and unnecessarily distorted.
The spokesperson further stated that in old meters sometimes the bills were given on average readings on monthly basis, even if the consumers are not using the electricity, but in smart meters, actual consumption can be verified on the actual usage and no average bills will come regularly, if the consumer is not using the electricity. In smart meters consumption data is automatically transmitted to a central data centre. This system was being introduced solely to provide better online services, accurate billing and improved convenience to electricity consumers.
The transition is more than just a device change, it is a shift from estimated or manual billing to real-time data driven system. He stated that orders have also been issued allowing consumers to install a second smart meter alongside their existing one if they suspect any inaccuracies. This setup enables consumers to monitor their electricity consumption at 15-minute intervals. If a discrepancy is found, they can reach out to their respective Electricity Sub-Division office.
He said that smart meters were being installed to enhance transparency, efficiency and consumer-friendly services and urged people not to believe rumours or misinformation but to rely on verified and authentic information. He further stated that a consumer can also voluntarily opt for pre-paid meters at their will.
