When will MSEDCL stop issuing average bills, ask citizens

Aurangabad, Dec 16:

The Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Ltd (MSEDCL) could not take manual meter readings from consumers during lockdown period. Therefore, electricity bills were issued in April and May according to the average electricity consumption. But even after unlocking, citizens are still getting average electricity bills. Therefore, the power consumers have asked whether or not MSEDCL will stop issuing average electricity bills.

The lockdown was announced due to an outbreak of the coronavirus. Due to this, the MSEDCL could not take meter readings. The average electricity bill was issued to electricity consumers during this period. However, the electricity bills came as a shock for consumers. While resolving these complaints, MSEDCL suffered a major setback. The MSEDCL received thousands of complaints regarding exorbitant bills. While the issue of electricity bills is still unresolved, many consumers are still receiving average bills.

Reasons given by MSEDCL

Bhujang Khandare, chief engineer, MSEDCL said that an average bill is issued to consumers whose houses are closed and the MSEDCL technician is unable to take manual meter reading as the meters are located inside the house. Meters of some customers are faulty. Average bills are being issued till the meters are replaced. The number of such bills is negligible. However, the average electricity bills are low. Most customers are billed according to readings. Customers can complain if they don''t get the right bill.