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News18
01-08-2025
- General
- News18
How To Get A Faulty Electricity Meter Replaced For Free And Claim Refund
Meters can over-record usage, show static readings or blink strange error codes. If your electricity bill shoots up, despite no major appliance changes, that's your first clue. Many Indian households are unknowingly footing inflated electricity bills. Not because they're using more power, but because their electricity meters are lying. Aging meters, tampered ones, and even voltage-damaged meters often go undetected, especially in older apartments and small-town DISCOM networks. Here's the good news: if your meter is defective, you have the right to get it tested and replaced for free. The law backs you. And if overbilling has occurred, you can even claim a refund or adjustment. This explainer walks you through the what, why, and how including official rules, timelines, and real-world steps. What Counts as a Faulty Meter? Meters can go wrong in several ways and they don't always stop working. Sometimes they over-record usage, show static readings, or blink strange error codes. If your electricity bill suddenly shoots up, despite no major appliance changes, that's your first clue. Other signs include: What the Law Says Under the Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules, 2020 and state-level electricity supply codes, every consumer has the right to a free replacement of their meter if it's found to be faulty or over-recording. If you suspect an issue: If the meter turns out to be functioning fine, you may be charged a nominal fee for the test (usually Rs50–Rs200). But if it's faulty, you pay nothing. How to Get It Replaced: Step-by-Step Visit your local electricity office, customer care center, or the DISCOM's online portal. Submit a written complaint with your consumer number, meter number, and reason for suspected fault. Ask for an acknowledgement or complaint ID. Clearly state that you want an official test conducted as per Electricity Rules. You can request testing at a third-party lab approved by the state regulator, if you want more neutrality. Within 7–15 days (depending on your state), a technician should inspect the meter. The test may involve comparing your meter with a calibrated reference meter or conducting a phantom load test. If the meter is over-recording, slow, or erratic, it will be declared faulty. The DISCOM must replace it and refund the test fee, if collected. A new meter is installed at your premises. The meter number and initial reading must be recorded in your bill. The old meter is taken for internal audit or stored by the utility for verification. You can demand recalculated bills based on past average usage or actual readings. Refunds are either credited to your next bill or transferred to your bank account. Escalate if there's no action If the DISCOM doesn't respond, escalate the matter to the Consumer Grievance Redressal Forum (CGRF). Beyond that, you can approach the Electricity Ombudsman or a local consumer court. Real-World Cases Back This In 2024, Jaipur's DISCOM initiated a large-scale meter replacement drive after internal audits found thousands of faulty meters. In multiple states including Maharashtra, Punjab, and Karnataka, utility regulators have directed DISCOMs to reimburse consumers for excessive billing caused by defective meters. Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission and the Maharashtra State Electricity Board also issue regular service standards that define how long a DISCOM can take to respond to complaints and what penalties apply if they fail to act. Your electricity meter is the source of truth for every unit billed to your household. If it's faulty, you're not just losing money, you're paying for something you never consumed. Armed with the law and a simple complaint letter, you can get your meter replaced, your bills corrected, and your rights respected. Get Latest Updates on Movies, Breaking News On India, World, Live Cricket Scores, And Stock Market Updates. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : electricity bills Free electricity Power Outages view comments Location : Bengaluru, India, India First Published: August 01, 2025, 10:29 IST News explainers How To Get A Faulty Electricity Meter Replaced For Free And Claim Refund Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
India Gazette
14-05-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
BESCOM to launch digital portal for consumer grievance management
Bengaluru (Karanataka) [India], May 14 (ANI): Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (BESCOM) is set to launch a digital portal aimed at enhancing transparency and efficiency in the consumer grievance redressal process, announced N Sivashankar, Managing Director of BESCOM. He made this announcement while addressing a workshop earlier this week, organised jointly by the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) and BESCOM, for the office bearers and members of the Consumer Grievance Redressal Forum (CGRF) at the KEB Engineers Association Hall. 'To strengthen consumer rights and improve accountability, a dedicated digital platform is being developed for managing consumer complaints. The Chief General Manager of Corporate Affairs has been entrusted with overseeing the grievance redressal process,' Sivashankar said. He added that, as directed by the KERC Chairman, CGRFS has been constituted at the district level, comprising a Superintendent Engineer, an Executive Engineer, and independent members. 'Grievances must be addressed within stipulated timelines. If issues remain unresolved at the CGRF or corporate level, consumers can escalate their complaints to the KERC for further redressal,' he emphasised. Inaugurating the workshop, KERC Chairman and retired Chief Secretary to the Government, P. Ravikumar, stressed the importance of delivering impartial and timely justice to consumers. 'Proactive engagement by authorities is essential for the success of this grievance redressal mechanism,' he said. Highlighting the legal framework, KERC Legal Department Member and retired District Sessions Judge HK Jagadish noted, 'Sections 42(5) and 42(6) of the Electricity Act, 2003 mandate provisions for consumer grievance redressal. The CGRF and KERC, the Electricity Ombudsman, function as quasi-judicial bodies, as recognised by the Supreme Court and High Courts.' During the workshop, KERC Technical Director Srinivasappa and retired judges Krishnaiah and IF Bidari briefed officials on technical issues and common challenges faced in consumer complaint resolution. The event was also attended by KERC Secretary Siddeshwar, BESCOM Technical Director HJ Ramesh, Finance Director Mahadeva, GM of Administration and Human Resources Dr. Dayanand, GM of Consumer Relations Rajoji Rao, and Pushpa SA, Chief General Manager of Corporate Affairs. (ANI)
The Hindu
14-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Bescom to set up digital portal for consumer grievance redressal
The Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (Bescom) will shortly launch a digital portal for consumer grievance redressal management. This was revealed by Bescom Managing Director N. Sivashankar at a workshop organised jointly by the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) and Bescom for the office-bearers and members of the Consumer Grievance Redressal Forum (CGRF) on May 13. The setting up of this portal is aimed at enhancing transparency and efficiency in the process of consumer grievance redressal. 'To strengthen consumer rights and improve accountability, a dedicated digital platform is being developed for managing consumer complaints. The Chief General Manager of Corporate Affairs has been entrusted with overseeing the grievance redressal process,' he said. Upon the directions of the chairman of KERC, Bescom has constituted CGRFs at the district level comprising a Superintendent Engineer, Executive Engineer, and independent members. 'Grievances must be addressed within stipulated timelines. If issues remain unresolved at the CGRF or corporate level, consumers can escalate their complaints to the KERC for further redressal,' Mr. Sivashankar added. Earlier this year, in the draft KERC (Consumer Grievance Redressal Forum and Ombudsman) (Third Amendment) Regulations 2025, KERC had recommended that all escoms set up CGRFs in their corporate offices for efficient grievance redressal. 'Proactive engagement by authorities is essential for the success of this grievance redressal mechanism,' P. Ravikumar, Chairman, KERC, said.
