Patna: The Bihar electricity department has announced a series of reforms to its billing system, aimed at reducing incorrect and estimated bills and addressing long-standing complaints from consumers.
Under the new arrangement, a departmental employee will accompany private agency meter readers during visits to consumers’ premises. Meter readings will be taken once every two months, with officials saying the move is intended to ensure greater accuracy and accountability in billing.
Electricity officials acknowledged that billing has been a persistent challenge in rural areas, where poor road connectivity, remote locations and adverse weather conditions—especially during the monsoon—often prevent timely meter readings. As a result, consumers frequently receive estimated or inflated bills, fuelling resentment and eroding public trust in the system.
By shifting from monthly to bi-monthly billing, the department says meter readers will have more time to cover difficult terrain and ensure that readings are taken correctly. The change, officials believe, will be particularly effective in rural regions where logistical constraints are most acute.
The department is also preparing to introduce GPS-based mapping to bring all consumers under a comprehensive billing network. The system is expected to help identify the exact location of connections and assess the safety and status of buildings and installations.
In the longer term, officials said the rollout of smart meters across collection areas is planned, a move that is expected to further improve transparency and provide consumers with more reliable billing information.
