Consumers in Chennai and other areas are facing higher electricity bills, allegedly due to delays by electricity board staff in taking bi-monthly meter readings. Residents say even low-usage households are being billed more when readings are not recorded on time.
Tamil Nadu’s 200-unit free electricity benefit for households, announced after Chief Minister Vijay took office, came into effect from May 10. With two months completing around July 10, homes billed from that date are expected to receive the full 200 units as part of the calculation.
However, when meter readings are taken late, consumers claim the free-unit benefit does not get applied correctly, leading to higher recorded consumption and increased charges. Faulty meters have also added to the problem, with complaints reportedly reaching senior officials without timely corrective action.
A circular issued by the Tirunelveli region’s Chief Engineer to district Superintending Engineers has highlighted “abnormal billing” patterns in certain sections. The note attributes the issue to defects in meters, meter readings or processes, and calls for periodic surprise inspections and stricter scrutiny of assessments.
The circular further instructs officials to warn assessment staff to be more careful and to take stringent action, including disciplinary measures if necessary, against employees found negligent in duty.
