How to complain about electricity: The monthly electricity bill is a significant part of every household budget. But what if your electricity consumption is normal, yet you receive an excessively high bill? Often, people assume it's their fault and quietly pay the bill, even though in many cases the fault lies with the system or the meter. The good news is that there are easy ways to get such incorrect bills corrected. You just need to know the right procedure.

Why do incorrect bills occur? (Reasons Behind a Wrong Electricity Bill)

There can be several reasons for an incorrect electricity bill. The most common reason is an error in meter reading. Sometimes the meter reader notes down the wrong units, or the bill is generated based on an estimate.

Another reason could be a faulty or old meter that shows a higher reading than the actual consumption. Sometimes, old arrears are added to the new bill, or the bill increases due to incorrect slab rates. Technical malfunctions or data entry errors can also be responsible.

Therefore, first compare your current bill with your previous bills and check the current meter reading yourself.

How to file a complaint? (How to File a Complaint?)

If you think the bill is incorrect, file a complaint immediately. The easiest way to do this is online. Go to your electricity company's website or mobile app, enter your consumer number, and register your problem in the "Complaint" or "Grievance" section. Clearly mention the bill number, the correct meter reading, and the problem.

If online facilities are not available, submit a written complaint at the nearest electricity office. Many states also have toll-free numbers and WhatsApp helplines. After filing the complaint, you will receive a complaint number, which you can use to track the status.

What happens after you complain? (What Happens After You Complain?)

After receiving the complaint, the department investigates the meter and the bill. If necessary, a re-reading is taken, or the meter is sent for testing. If the error is proven, a corrected bill is issued. If you have already paid more than the correct amount, that amount will be adjusted in future bills.

Remember, if you receive a high bill despite low consumption, don't stay silent. Filing a complaint at the right time can save you thousands of rupees. Be an aware consumer and know your rights.

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