Smart Meter Rollout in Surat Stalls as Residents Cry Foul Over Soaring Electricity Bills

SURAT, GUJARAT : The Dakshin Gujarat Vij Company Limited (DGVCL) has hit a pause button on its smart meter installation program in Piplod, Surat, following a surge of complaints from residents regarding a dramatic increase in electricity bills. Residents affiliated with the Suman Cell Society in Vesu allege their bills have doubled compared to the same period last year.

“The electricity charges have become unbearable,” said a spokesperson for the Suman Cell Society. “Previously, daily charges ranged between Rs 5 to Rs 35. Now, with the smart meters, they’ve skyrocketed to Rs 27 to Rs 76 per day!”

The discontent stems from a DGVCL initiative launched on April 4th, which saw smart meters installed in Suman Cell Society and a total of 11,951 homes across Vesu. However, the anticipated benefits of the new system have been overshadowed by concerns about inflated electricity costs.

Jivaraj Dodia, a resident of Suman Cell, shared his experience: “During summers, my bi-monthly electricity bill used to be around Rs 1,400. Since the smart meter installation 35 days ago, I’ve recharged for Rs 1,000 and only have Rs 84 remaining! Even when my house was vacant for three days, the meter still deducted money.”

Pradeepbhai, president of Vesuni Suman Cell-B, echoed Dodia’s concerns. “Our summer bill for two months was typically Rs 2,000. I recharged the new meter with Rs 4,000, and within 37 days, I’m down to Rs 1,200! Now, I wake up every morning worried about how much electricity I’ve used.”

The DGVCL has yet to comment on the residents’ grievances or the reasons behind the alleged increase in electricity charges. However, with a significant portion of Piplod residents protesting the inflated bills, the future of the smart meter rollout program remains uncertain.