Smart meter row: 20k connections cut in Dhanbad

Dhanbad: Electricity connections of nearly 20,000 consumers were allegedly cut off in Dhanbad over pending dues and issues related to smart meters, with residents alleging that despite clearing their bills, they were asked to make payments again.

Consumers have raised concerns over discrepancies in billing and lack of transparency in the smart meter system.

Taking cognisance of the issue, Dhanbad MLA Raj Sinha met general manager of JBVNL (Dhanbad circle), Ashok Kumar Sinha, on Thursday and objected to the abrupt action. Sinha termed the disconnections without intimation as unjustified and demanded that consumers be clearly informed about smart meter operations and billing mechanisms.

Jharia MLA Ragini Singh also criticised the JBVNL, stating that irregular billing practices and lump-sum charges followed by disconnections were unacceptable. She urged authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the complaints arising after the installation of smart meters and provide immediate relief to affected consumers.

Dhanbad mayor Sanjeev Singh termed the mass disconnection of a basic service like electricity as a serious issue, particularly during festivals. He emphasised the need for prompt resolution of all grievances related to smart meters.

Responding to the concerns, Sinha clarified that under the prepaid smart meter system, connections are automatically cut when the balance turns negative, which is an in-built feature. He added, “Disconnections were executed from Ranchi and affected only those consumers whose balance had been exhausted.”

He assured that consumers would be given a one-month window to clear dues, with an option to pay in instalments. “Efforts are underway to restore most connections by evening,” he added.