In Ankleshwar, Gujarat, residents are shocked by high electricity bills following the installation of smart meters. The state-owned DGVCL (Dakshin Gujarat Vij Company Limited) has faced strong opposition as it rolls out these smart meters. Recently, a startling case emerged when a resident received an electricity bill of ₹629,000, causing panic among the locals.
The incident involved Zulekha Mohammad Patel, a resident of the C Master Compound in Ankleshwar. She received the shocking bill via a message on her mobile phone late at night. Seeing the amount, she was overwhelmed and immediately felt anxious. Patel stated, “I was completely shocked to see such a big amount.”
Patel went to the DGVCL office the next morning to raise her concerns. The officials explained that the bill was generated by the system and claimed there was no mistake on their part. However, the situation raised serious questions about the reliability of the billing system.
Residents have expressed fear that such excessive bills could lead to health issues, especially among senior citizens. Many are worried about what would happen if a senior citizen received a bill like this and suffered a panic attack.
DGVCL officials admitted that the bill might have been generated due to a system error. H.R. Modi, the superintendent of the Bharuch DGVCL circle, confirmed that they would revise the bill after reviewing the issue. This reassurance has done little to calm the community’s fears, as the incident has sparked widespread anxiety.
Smart meters are meant to provide accurate readings and improve billing transparency. However, this incident highlights the potential pitfalls of relying solely on technology without proper checks in place. Many residents are questioning whether the system is working correctly or if human oversight is necessary.
As the rollout of smart meters continues across Gujarat, this incident serves as a warning about the possible consequences of billing errors. The community is concerned that such mistakes could lead to undue stress and financial strain on families.
The government plans to offer discounts on electricity bills for customers with smart meters. However, trust in the system must be rebuilt, especially after incidents like this one. Community leaders are calling for more transparency and better communication from DGVCL to prevent future issues.
In summary, the unexpected high bill has left residents in Ankleshwar alarmed. They are calling for action from DGVCL to ensure that such mistakes do not happen again. As technology continues to change the way we interact with utilities, the need for reliable systems and responsible management becomes ever more critical.
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