Right to Information Wiki

Inflated electricity bill — RTI to discom for meter & billing audit

File RTI to your **discom Sub-Division Officer** AND **Consumer Grievance Redressal Forum (CGRF)**. Ask meter test report, consumption history (12 months), tari

Inflated electricity bill — RTI to discom for meter & billing audit

⚠️ DPDP Rules, 2025 (14 Nov 2025) amended Section 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act — public-interest override now under Section 8(2). Read the note →

· 2026/04/19 05:02

Direct answer. File RTI to your discom Sub-Division Officer AND Consumer Grievance Redressal Forum (CGRF). Ask meter test report, consumption history (12 months), tariff applied, billing-cycle deviations, MRI (meter reading instrument) data.

  • Electricity Act 2003 §42 — consumer protection.
  • State Electricity Regulatory Commission tariff orders (latest).
  • CGRF Regulations — 45-day disposal.
  • CEA Metering Regulations 2006 — meter accuracy ±2%.

5 questions to ask

  1. Meter accuracy test report (last 12 months).
  2. Consumption history (12 months).
  3. Tariff slabs applied vs SERC order.
  4. Billing-cycle deviations and reasons.
  5. MRI download data.

Template

To: The Public Information Officer, DISCOM CGRF / Sub-Division Officer
Subject: Application under §6 RTI Act 2005 — Electricity billing dispute

My consumer no. [..] received bill [..] dated [..] which is anomalous compared to [12-month average]. Please furnish: (1) meter accuracy test, (2) 12-month consumption, (3) tariff slabs applied, (4) billing-cycle deviations, (5) MRI data.

Fee: Rs.10 by IPO/cash.

Common mistakes

  • Filing only at billing office — file to CGRF for adjudication.
  • Not asking for meter accuracy test — your strongest evidence.
  • Skipping the MRI download request.

Case law anchors

  • MSEDCL v. Lloyds Steel (BomHC 2010) — meter accuracy is determinative.
  • CIC/MoP/A/2018/000456 — discom billing data disclosable.

Pro tips

  • Photograph the meter reading on the day of complaint.
  • Pay undisputed portion to avoid disconnection.
  • Escalate CGRF → Ombudsman → Consumer Court.

FAQ

  • Q: Disconnection threat — stay possible? Yes, if undisputed portion paid + CGRF complaint filed.
  • Q: Smart meter accuracy challenge? Demand lab test report under CEA Regulations.

Sources

  1. Electricity Act 2003. CEA Metering Regulations 2006. SERC tariff orders.

Last reviewed: 25 April 2026.

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