Tripura Residents Fume over Sudden Electricity Rate Hike, Power Minister Intervenes
Residents across Tripura are expressing growing frustration over an abrupt increase in electricity rates, with many consumers claiming that they were blindsided by the hike in their electricity bills. The situation has particularly angered those who recharge their prepaid electricity meters, as they found their recharges yielding significantly fewer units than before. Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath has since stepped in and has directed officials to look into the matter urgently.
Reports indicate that after Durga Puja, consumers of Udaipur were shocked to find that their electricity recharges covered far fewer units than before. Previously, a recharge of Rs 500 provided approximately 102 units of electricity, but now consumers report receiving less than 20 units for the same amount. Similarly, a Rs 1000 recharge, which previously yielded 140 units, now offers less than 40 units.
Many consumers were unaware of the increased rates, which had apparently been implemented since August but were only billed after the festival season. As a result, they are facing unexpectedly high expenses in recharging their meters, leading to widespread discontent.
Similar situation was reported from other parts of the State as many electric consumers red flagged the issue and vented anger at the prevailing rates of the pre-paid meter recharges.
At the Udaipur subdivisional electricity office, tensions have escalated, with almost daily confrontations between consumers and electricity department employees. Consumers are demanding answers about why they were not informed earlier about the rate hike, and some are questioning why the arrears of three months’ worth of increased rates are being charged all at once.
Unfortunately, the responses from electricity department employees have been unsatisfactory, as they could only confirm that the increased rates were indeed applied from August without providing further clarification.
Many consumers feel that the lack of prior communication or public notices from the government or electricity department has added to their grievances. “We should have been informed well in advance,” one consumer lamented. “Now, we’re facing additional financial strain for something we didn’t know was coming.”
Responding to the public’s frustration, Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath took to social media, acknowledging the confusion surrounding the bills and additional charges for prepaid meters. In his post, he stated, “There has been some confusion among the general public regarding the bills and certain additional charges of prepaid meters of Tripura State Electricity Corporation Limited. As soon as this matter came to my notice, I instructed the Managing Director and the concerned officials of the Corporation to give serious consideration to the matter and to clarify it and settle the grievances of the consumers.”
Nath assured that the matter would be resolved soon and said “I request the electricity consumers not to be confused about this matter”.
(Tripura, Northeast)
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