MSEDCL addresses excess bill problems

Officials looked into 40,800 complaints — some people were explained the breakdown and for very exorbitant bills, it admitted to computing error

Thousands of homes in Pune district were appalled with the exorbitant electricity bills sent by Maharashtra State Electricity Development Corporation (MSEDCL) for June. Consequently, 40,800 grievances were flung at them — all decrying spiked bills. MSEDCL looked into them and upon scrutiny, explained a breakdown to a few and for others, who incurred bills in lakhs and crores, it admitted to the computing error on their end.

When these complaints piled up, the officials opened to conversations and solving queries. They claim 98 per cent grievances have been resolved, wherein people were explained the reason behind the large amount: the bill was cumulatively sent for the months of April, May and June.

Afew residents seem to be convinced with MSEDCL has to say in this regard. Vijaya Shahagadkar from Warje, who had received a bill of Rs 3,000, said it was much higher than what she pays. “I had paid the April bill online and was given a revised bill of Rs 1,100 last week. When I took this to the officials, they explained the breakdown.”

Atul Borale from Wagholi, who was given a bill of Rs 1,050 in May — a large amount against the regular bill of Rs 250-300 which he pays every month — was plagued with doubts. “I submitted the meter reading myself. Then, they told me that my last bill amounted to Rs 590, which is considerably less,” he said.

The ones who still felt that the bill was unreasonably high, were asked to either hold the bill or were asked to pay it for now, and a thorough investigation would be carried out subsequently.

Rahul Kharat from Hinjawadi said, “For no reason, I received a bill of Rs 22,000. I have not paid it and demanded a correction instead. I met the officials and they showed the breakdown of the bills.”

MSEDCL claimed that the bills contained large amounts since no meter readings were taken by the employees and an average bill for April and May was sent to the consumers. They came with their queries which were attended to by the MSEDCL through several meetings, webinars and personal conversations.

They also claimed that no additional amount has been added in the bills.

Nishikant Raut, spokesperson of MSEDCL, said, “Ever since the lockdown was announced, it was not possible for us to take the meter readings and hence, an average bill was sent. If the customers had any issues with it, they were asked to click a photo of their meter and send to us. Most issues have been solved by us and people have started paying the bills, too. An amount of Rs 356.45 crore has been received. We are looking into the other complaints.”