In response to complaints about “inflated bills” in the past two-three days, Maharashtra State Energy Minister Nitin Raut said that consumers do not need to pay the lump sum bill, but can do so easily.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Raut stated that the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company (MSEDCL) is not trying to “cheat” any consumer.
“As meter-reading was not possible in April and May, consumers have received bills with the actual reading of the past three months. There has also been a revision in rates as approved by the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission since April 1,” Raut said, adding that MSEDCL has also faced losses worth ₹3,500 crore in the absence of physical reading.
“Consumers can pay the amount in instalments; we will not cut power supply in any case,” he added.
A senior official from MSEDCL said that consumers can visit the website
“If consumers are still not convinced, then they can visit their respective sub-division to seek clarity over the bill and to avail easy instalments,” the official said.
Despite complaints from consumers across the state, distribution companies argued that there was no error on their part and that there was an increase in power use due to summer and lock-down, with most people at home and meter readings suspended. MSEDCL supplies electricity to 2.30 crore people in the state.
