A man in Ganjam district got the shock of his life after he reportedly received an electricity bill of over Rs 4.9 lakh from Tata Power Southern Odisha Distribution Limited (TPSODL).
Laxman Nahak, a resident of Dian Dein village in the district has received the extravagant amount as the electricity bill for the month of July. Surprisingly, he neither owns a big building nor a manufacturing unit. Rather, he lives in a thatched house and uses just three LED bulbs and three fans as electrical appliances.
Speaking to OTV, Laxman said, "I had received a bill of Rs 1184 last month. However, this month's bill has shocked us to the core. I am really disturbed by the carelessness of the electricity distribution company. I do not want to run from pillar to post to correct the error made by the department."
Ironically, this is not the lone incident of erroneous bills. Several other villagers of Dian Dein have also received similar exorbitant bills from the TPSODL.
Sumitra Nahak of the same village reportedly received a bill of Rs 50,000 this month. He described it as a government's ploy to play with the sentiment of the poor.
"The department staff handed over the bill to me and left hurriedly. When I inquired, they said that the bill has to be paid because I have consumed that much electricity,” alleged Sumitra.
have a single fan and two light bulbs in my house. How could they sent me such a huge amount as electricity bill. I do not have money to pay up the bill," added Sumitra.
The Tata Power Southern Odisha Distribution Limited (TPSODL) is a joint venture between Tata Power and the Government of Odisha with the majority stake being held by Tata Power Company (51%).
No comments could be obtained from the authorities over the allegations.