Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Jan 17: A family from Baramulla town in North Kashmir has been left shell-shocked after receiving a whopping electricity bill of Rs 46,000 for the last two months of domestic consumption.
The family from Ushkara area of Baramulla said their bills used to be around Rs 2000-3000 during winters, but things changed when their smart meter got damaged in a short circuit and stopped working.
They said before the issue with the meter, the family’s bills were predictable and reasonable. However, since the smart meter was damaged, their monthly electricity bills have shot up, putting a strain on their finances.
“The bill has skyrocketed after a newly installed electricity meter was damaged in a short circuit and has been non-functional for the last two months,” Ghulam MohiDin, said.
The family, with a consumer number of 0212010006894, expressed their bewilderment over the inflated bill. “We do not know how this can happen. We are concerned, as we cannot afford this money,” said another family member.
The family members mentioned that they have repeatedly raised the matter with the concerned officials, but nothing has been done so far.
Assistant Executive Engineer of the Power Development Department, Yasir Kakroo, expressed unawareness about the matter. “We would look into the matter and see the reasons behind inflated bills,” he added.
The affected family has requested the attention of LG Manoj Sinha, DC Baramulla, and the PDD Department to look into the matter and provide them with justice.