Agartala, July 17: The Tripura Power Department has launched a full-scale investigation into allegations of electricity bill fraud involving smart meters and meter readers. Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath on Wednesday announced the formation of a special task force to probe the issue, warning that no one found guilty will be spared.
Addressing the media in Agartala, the minister confirmed that the department had received complaints related to inflated bills and irregularities in smart meter readings. He stated that between December 2024 and July 2025, a total of 89,632 smart meters have been installed across the state. In this period, the number of bills generated steadily increased: 43,611 in April, 58,048 in May, 73,593 in June, and 79,653 so far in July.
Following public complaints, particularly one from Khuwai’s Lalsara area, where a consumer received a bill of ₹82,000 after installation of a smart meter, the department launched a prompt inquiry. It revealed that although a smart meter was installed on June 25, the old meter was still operational. The investigation further found that the consumer, with the help of a meter reader, had been submitting false readings for years.
The conspiracy led to massive revenue loss for the government. The firm responsible for meter reading, M/s TDS Management Consultants Pvt. Ltd., has been issued a show-cause notice for breach of contract and negligence.
The four-member task force includes DGM Shishir Debbarma, DGM Rajib Kumar Ray, Senior Manager Sanjeev Nandi Majumder, and Senior Manager Jahar Debbarma. Two WhatsApp helplines—6033131966 and 6909981274—have been activated for smart meter complaints only.
Minister Nath warned that such fraudulent activities may be widespread and assured strict legal action. “No one will be spared—be it officials or consumers—if found guilty,” he stated firmly.
