Daijiworld Media Network- Mumbai

Mumbai, Jul 31: Over 300 residents of the upscale Palava township in Dombivli are facing unusually high electricity bills, with amounts surpassing monthly rent and even home loan EMIs. Bills that once ranged between Rs 2,000 and Rs 2,500 have now soared to Rs 15,000–30,000 per month for many households.

The trouble reportedly began after the replacement of old meters with smart meters. Mahavitaran officials said the issue was due to the absence of a meter reader, resulting in estimated average billing for four months. Residents, however, allege that the problem has persisted for nearly eight months.

Some homes that were vacant or had minimal usage also received inflated bills. A non-occupied flat owned by Vinay Kumar Jaiswal, based in New Zealand, was billed over Rs 10,000 for June despite showing zero meter usage. Others who were out for vacations in May reported bills above Rs 10,000.

Resident Unmesh Rahatade said his March bill was Rs 3,860, which jumped to Rs 28,920 in June and Rs 19,650 in July. Mahavitaran officials attributed part of the rise to higher summer consumption but acknowledged technical issues.

Jagdish Bodke, executive engineer of MSEDCL’s Kalyan east division, said poor network connectivity in some buildings disrupted smart meter readings. He added that of 7,600 affected consumers, the issue now remains with 1,400 meters and will be resolved soon. Those who overpaid will receive adjustments in future bills.