Tripura Forms Special Task Force to Address Smart Meter Complaints, Dedicated WhatsApp Helplines Launched

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, August 5, 2026

Amid growing concerns and confusion among a section of electricity consumers over the installation of smart meters, the Tripura State Electricity Corporation has constituted a special four-member Task Force to ensure prompt investigation and resolution of all smart meter-related complaints.

Addressing a awareness massage, Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath said the Tripura State Electricity Corporation Limited (TSECL) was directed to form the Task Force, which became operational on Tuesday night. The initiative aims to build public confidence by ensuring transparent and time-bound handling of grievances related to smart meters.

The Task Force comprises:

Shishir Debbarma, Deputy General Manager, Rajib Kumar Roy, Deputy General Manager, Sanjib Nandy Majumder, Senior Manager and Jahar Debbarma, Senior Manager.

The minister said the team has been entrusted with investigating every complaint related to smart meters and taking appropriate corrective action wherever required.

To facilitate easy reporting of complaints, TSECL has also introduced two dedicated WhatsApp helpline numbers exclusively for smart meter-related issues: 60331 31966 and 69099 81274.

The WhatsApp groups will be administered by Jahar Debbarma, Senior Manager. The minister clarified that these numbers will accept only smart meter-related complaints, and other electricity-related grievances should continue to be reported through the corporation's regular complaint channels.

Highlighting a recent incident, Ratan Lal Nath referred to a complaint lodged by Ashok Kanti Das Roy, a resident of Lalchhara in Khowai district, who alleged that his electricity bill had suddenly risen to nearly Rs. 82,000 after the installation of a smart meter.

The minister said the complaint reached him directly, following which he immediately instructed TSECL to conduct an inquiry. An investigation team visited the consumer's residence the very next morning.

According to the inquiry, the old electronic meter had remained operational until June 25, 2025, when the smart meter was installed. Investigators found that the final reading on the old electronic meter and the initial reading on the newly installed smart meter were identical, 11,148 units. They also verified that all installation records, including the consumer's signature, had been properly documented during the meter replacement process.

The investigation further revealed that for more than three years, the meter reader had allegedly been submitting artificially low meter readings despite the electronic meter functioning normally. The inquiry concluded that the under-billing was allegedly carried out through the collusion of a dishonest meter reader and the consumer, resulting in significantly reduced electricity bills over the years.

Following the findings, the Power Minister directed TSECL to initiate strict disciplinary action. The meter reader has been dismissed from service, while action has also been taken against the concerned billing agency.

The minister said the formation of the dedicated Task Force is intended to ensure greater transparency and accountability in the implementation of smart meters across the state.

Appealing to the public, Ratan Lal Nath urged consumers not to be influenced by rumours or misinformation regarding smart meters. He advised citizens to report any genuine issue directly through the designated WhatsApp helplines, assuring that every complaint would be investigated impartially and resolved at the earliest.

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