Electricity Bill Too High? Know Your Rights

Table Of Content

Introduction

Have you ever received a shockingly high electricity bill despite using the same appliances and routines every month? You’re not alone. Many consumers across India face sudden surges in their bills with no clear explanation from the power distribution companies (Discoms).

But did you know? Under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005, you can legally ask for detailed billing data from your Discom and hold them accountable. Let’s understand how you can use RTI to uncover the truth behind your inflated power bill.

Why Electricity Bill Too High

Several reasons can cause an unusual hike in your electricity bill:

• Faulty Meter Readings or manual errors
• Estimated billing instead of actual meter readings
• Hidden charges or overcharging for sanctioned load
• Incorrect tariff category applied
• Power theft or faulty wiring on your premises

If you’re not satisfied with the Discom’s explanation or their customer service is non-responsive, you have the right to demand detailed information through RTI.

What Can You Ask Through RTI About Your Electricity Bill?

You can file an RTI with your State Electricity Board or the Discom (e.g., BSES, MSEDCL, BESCOM, TANGEDCO) and request:

1. Month-wise consumption data (in kWh) for the last 12 months.
2. Copy of the meter reading register for your connection.
3. Photographs of the meter at the time of each reading.
4. Basis for tariff calculation and slab details used in your billing.
5. Copy of your meter testing report (especially if you suspect a faulty meter).
6. Details of any additional charges or late fees applied.
7. Information on the billing software or automated reading system used.
8. Action taken on any previous complaints you filed regarding billing.
9. Total number of complaints received about high billing from your area.
10. Any changes in tariff order or billing cycle recently implemented.

How to File an RTI for Electricity Bill Issues

1. Identify the PIO (Public Information Officer) of your Discom or Electricity Department.
2. Draft your RTI application on plain paper (or use RTIwala services).
3. Clearly mention your consumer number, meter number, address, and billing month(s).
4. Pay ₹10 as RTI application fee via IPO, DD, or online.
5. Send the application via Registered Post, or file online via RTIwala.

How RTIwala Can Help You

If you don’t know where to start or don’t want to handle the hassle, RTIwala can assist you with:

• Expert Consultation: Get advice on how to approach your case.
• Online RTI Filing: Seamless digital filing of your RTI application.
• Anonymous RTI: Keep your identity hidden while seeking truth.
• Custom Drafting: We’ll prepare your RTI with strong legal wording for better impact.

Conclusion

If your electricity bill doesn’t make sense, don’t just pay blindly. RTI gives you the power to demand transparency and factual data from your Discom. With RTIwala by your side, you can ensure your hard-earned money isn’t wasted due to errors or negligence.