APERC Stays Levy of kVARh Charges on LT Smart Meter Bills
APERC observed that after smart meters were introduced, leading reactive energy (kVARH) began getting recorded by default, resulting in increased bills for some consumers.
Kurnool: The Andhra Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (APERC) has provided relief to low-tension (LT) electricity consumers amid complaints of higher bills following the installation of smart meters. The Commission has temporarily stayed the provisions in the 2019-20 Retail Supply Tariff (RST) orders that allowed unblocking and billing of leading reactive energy (kVARh) in LT metered services, until further orders.
APERC observed that after smart meters were introduced, leading reactive energy (kVARH) began getting recorded by default, resulting in increased bills for some consumers. While noting that excessive capacitor installations at consumer premises could be a contributing factor, the Commission said the issue was creating a negative perception about smart meters.
In the interest of consumer protection and to ensure a conducive environment for the smart metering programme, APERC directed Discoms to withdraw the additional amounts already collected on account of leading reactive energy and adjust the same in subsequent bills of affected consumers. The Commission said it would continue to monitor the issue and issue further directions after a detailed review.