Gwalior: Smart meter triggers outrage as power bill jumps fourfold, commission orders compensation

MP News: In Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, a consumer's electricity bill quadrupled immediately after a smart meter was installed. Following this, the consumer had to seek recourse from the Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission.

MP News: In a significant case filed against Madhya Kshetra Vidyut Vitran Company Limited in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has ruled in favour of the consumer. The commission deemed the sudden increase in electricity bills after the installation of smart meters as a deficiency in service and directed the electricity company to issue a revised bill and pay compensation.

Electricity Bill Increased Immediately After Smart Meter Installation

It emerged in the case that the consumer's electricity bill quadrupled within two days of the smart meter being installed. In April 2025, a bill of ₹437 was issued for a consumption of 159 units, but two days later, the online portal showed an amount of ₹1830 for a consumption of 157 units.

Bill Increased Fourfold in Two Days

Shashi Vajpayee filed a complaint with the commission, stating that the electricity company removed her old meter and installed a smart meter without her explicit consent. Despite her objection, the old meter was reinstalled, but its correct record was not maintained. The commission held that issuing two different bills in the same month and failing to rectify the issue despite complaints constituted a deficiency in service.

Commission Acknowledged Deficiency

The commission ordered the company to issue a revised bill based on actual consumption within 45 days. Additionally, it directed the company to pay ₹2,000 for mental anguish and ₹2,000 for litigation expenses.

Growing Controversy Over Smart Meters

Approximately 23,000 smart meters have been installed in the city so far, but consumers allege that these meters are causing an increase in their electricity bills. Due to protests, the installation of smart meters has currently been halted.

This situation is not confined to Gwalior city alone but is prevalent across the entire state. Complaints of electricity bills doubling or tripling after the installation of smart meters are reaching the electricity department.