Shillong: BJP leader and Tura MDC Bernard N. Marak wants an independent audit of smart meters. He also demands a deep review of current electricity billing. People across Garo Hills face mounting power bills. Families in both rural and urban areas report sudden spikes in charges. This includes households under the Below Poverty Line.
Marak calls the process a forced installation. He doubts the accuracy of the technology and wants the state government to verify consumption data. The MDC insists on replacing all defective meters at no cost to the public. He pointed to the distress of pensioners, daily-wage earners, and low-income families. These groups already struggle with delayed salaries and honorariums.
The official also questioned how privatization affects tariffs and service quality. He claims the state must keep electricity affordable. Marak argued for transparent meter readings and better grievance systems. He stated, "There should be clear disclosure of meter readings, consumption details, applicable tariffs, and additional charges, along with an accessible grievance-redressal mechanism to ensure the timely correction of erroneous bills."
Consumers should not face harassment over disputed costs. Marak warns against arbitrary disconnections while grievances remain open. He said, "Development cannot be measured merely by installing new technology or handing public services over to private operators." He wants the government to take full accountability for these billing errors.
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