Electricity Bill: It’s often seen that despite normal household electricity usage, the bill reaches thousands of rupees at the end of the month, which is no less than a shock. Many people, accepting it as their fate, quietly pay the bill, thinking, “Maybe their consumption was high.”
However, it’s important to note that your bill can often increase due to incorrect meter readings, technical faults, or discrepancies in slab rates. As of January 2026, new regulations allow you to file an online complaint against an incorrect electricity bill from the comfort of your home and get your money back.
Reasons for a Sudden High Bill
Before filing a complaint, it’s crucial to understand the underlying error so you can file an accurate complaint. The most common cause of incorrect electricity bills is incorrect meter readings, where the meter reader hastily records incorrect units. Additionally, sometimes, the bill increases due to “estimated billing.” If the meter reader doesn’t reach your home, the department sends a bill based on previous months’ estimates, which can be significantly higher than the actual units.
A technically faulty or “faulty meter” can also cause a significant bill increase because it deviates from reality. Sometimes, a system glitch, including incorrect slab rates or incorrectly adding previous dues while updating data, can also increase the bill. Therefore, before filing a complaint, always compare your bill with your previous bills and verify the current meter reading yourself.
What should I do to correct my electricity bill
If you are certain your bill is incorrect, you can file a complaint using digital means, which is the easiest method. Each state’s electricity distribution company currently has its own mobile app and official website, where you can enter your Consumer ID in the “Grievance” or “Complaint” section. Write your complaint in detail, along with the bill number and current meter reading, and submit it. You will receive a complaint number to track the status.
If you prefer to call the Government of India’s helpline number, 1912, to register your complaint. Additionally, many electricity boards now offer the option of bill correction by requesting a photo of the meter via WhatsApp. If the online resolution isn’t available, you can also visit your nearest electricity substation and submit a written application to the Assistant Engineer, which must include a copy of the previous bill and a photo of the current meter reading.
What happens after the complaint
After the complaint is filed, the electricity department team begins a thorough investigation. First, a department employee visits your home and takes a physical meter reading again. If a fault is suspected, the meter is sent for lab testing. The department also audits its database to determine if there has been any technical error or human error.
If your complaint is found to be valid, the department issues a revised and correct bill. The biggest relief is that if you’ve already paid the inflated bill, you don’t need to worry, as the department adjusts the excess amount in your next month’s bill, ensuring your hard-earned money isn’t wasted.