State wide probe launched into smart meter fraud: Power Minister

To stop fraudulent activities involving smart meters using meter readers, the Tripura State Electricity Corporation Limited (TSECL) launched a full-fledged investigation against those involved, stating that no one will be spared if anyone is found guilty.

Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath on Wednesday made this statement after a section of people raised allegations against TSECL and Smart Meters which was late found false.

From December 2024 till July 2025, around 89,632 smart meters were installed. In April 2025, 43,611 bills were generated, in May 58,048, in June 73,593, and in July so far, 79,653 bills were generated.

The Power Minister said that over the past few days, some issues regarding smart meters have surfaced among the public and that is why, he has directed TSECL to conduct an investigation by forming a task force if there is any issue with smart meters.

“Last night, a task force was formed comprising four officers, including Sisir Debbarma (DGM), Rajib Kumar Roy (DGM), Sanjib Nandi Majumdar (Senior Manager), and Jahar Debbarma (Senior Manager). The main aim is that if there is any issue with smart meters, prompt and effective action should be taken. We have opened two WhatsApp numbers—6033131966 and 6909981274. Any consumer facing issues with smart meters can send a message, and the Task Force will inquire into it to solve the matters. No other issues will be entertained except those related to smart meters,” said the Power Minister.

He said that a few days ago, one person Ashok Kanti Das Roy, a resident of Lal Chara in Khowai District who had installed a smart meter, alleged that he received a bill of Rs 82,000 due to a technical error in the meter.

“After I received this complaint, I directed TSECL to conduct a spot probe to resolve the issue. The team visited the next day and found that Ashok Kanti Das Roy had installed the smart meter on June 25 this year, and he still had the old electric meter. After investigation, it was found that with the help of a meter reader, the person had manipulated the electricity bill. The meter reader had submitted incorrect readings to TSECL for over three years. When the smart meter was installed, the total due bill came to Rs 82,000,” said the minister.

The minister informed that during the investigation, it was found that both the dishonest meter reader and the dishonest consumer were working together to reduce the electricity bill amount.

“TSECL has issued a show-cause notice to the agency M/s TDS Management Consultants Pvt. Ltd. for gross negligence and breach of contract, which led to substantial revenue loss for the corporation,” he said.

He said that this small incident proves that similar things may have happened in other parts of the state, which is why the Task Force was created.

“We are going to launch a full-fledged investigation, and those who are found guilty—no one will be spared,” he said.