KSEB mulls monthly bills, prepares for self meter reading by consumers

Thiruvananthapuram: Following the instruction of the Electricity Regulatory Commission, KSEB is considering issuing bills to consumers on a monthly basis. As part of this initiative, they have begun exploring the feasibility of allowing consumers to request monthly bills based on self meter readings. This proposal comes after KSEB stated that it is not practical for them to conduct meter readings every month.

Currently, electricity bills are issued after KSEB employees visit each household to check the meter every two months. The billing slab for each consumer is determined by calculating half of the total electricity consumption over the two-month period. Consumers have complained that this method often results in excess payment, as the slab of consumption changes frequently.

In addition, a campaign has emerged against the bi-monthly billing system. During the evidence collection conducted by KSEB regarding the proposed rate hikes, many people expressed the need to change the billing frequency to monthly. Although the Regulatory Commission explained that no consumer would have to pay for unused electricity, many consumers were not satisfied with this explanation. In response to the growing protests raised during the evidence collection meetings, the Regulatory Commission instructed KSEB to explore the feasibility of issuing monthly bills. The Commission also believes that there are no technical obstacles to implementing monthly billing.

Covid Model

When meter readings at homes were disrupted during the COVID-19 pandemic, KSEB developed an app that allowed consumers to conduct self meter readings. The Commission has asked KSEB to consider implementing this model again. While self meter readings will be introduced as an option, KSEB will continue its routine meter readings every two months.

If a consumer wishes to receive a monthly bill, they must conduct a self reading and inform KSEB. If a KSEB meter reader visits the house and finds any discrepancies in the previous month’s consumption, the issue will be regularised.