Post-lockdown power bills have come as a shock to consumers in Madhya Pradesh prompting the state government to announce setting up of camps in every assembly constituency to redress the grievances of consumers. The government has also announced relief to those enjoying subsidised power under its scheme, as per energy department officials and complaints from people.
According to officials, the power bills have affected every section of society. A state BJP office-bearer in Bhopal who usually used to receive a bill of about Rs 15,000 per month against his domestic connection got a bill of more than Rs 50,000 in June.
Surendra Singh, a retired government official in Gwalior, used to receive bills of about Rs 2,000-2,500 during winters and Rs 3,500-4,500 during summers. He was jolted with a bill that amounted to Rs 19,000 this month. In Sagar, a shopkeeper – whose shop was closed for nearly two months amid the Covid-19 lockdown – got a bill of more than Rs 4,800.
