Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced an immediate reduction of ₹ 1 per unit in electricity bills for domestic consumers in the state. The announcement comes ahead of the summer season, when power consumption usually increases, and in an effort to provide relief to consumers.
Chief Minister Sarma gave information about relief
“It’s April – the temperature will rise, but your electricity bill will fall. From today, families in Assam will get a reduction of ₹1 per unit in power bills, as well as a year-end discount,” Chief Minister Sarma said in a post on Twitter. He also clarified, “PS: This is not an April Fool’s joke,” stressing that the announcement was completely serious.
The reduction is welcome, but questions are being raised on smart meters
While the decision to cut tariffs was welcomed by most, some issues have cropped up over the accuracy of smart meters. Opposition leaders, such as Sivasagar MLA Akhil Gogoi, have raised concerns that the new meters are leading to higher electricity bills. The state government has denied the allegations and said that the smart meters are working normally.
Minister Pijush Hazarika gave clarification
Energy Minister Pijush Hazarika defended the implementation of smart meters, saying there have been no major complaints from the general public about the accuracy of the meters. He said the reason for the increase in electricity bills during the summer season is not the malfunctioning of the meters but the increased power consumption. Hazarika challenged the opposition MLAs to compare the readings of two meters in their respective houses and prove its veracity.
This announcement and the controversy surrounding smart meters highlight the complex issues of electricity use and billing in Assam. The government has clarified the accuracy of the meters, but opposition parties are continuing to question it.
