At a time when household incomes have fallen short owing to the state government imposed lockdown in view of the raging second wave of the Wuhan virus pandemic, residents in Chennai have been shocked with high electricity bills. Consumers who usually receive a monthly bill in three digits have received exorbitant bills in 4 digits.
“I a vegetable and fruits trader at the Koyambedu market. I have had no income for the past few weeks. It is becoming difficult to manage finances at home. On top of that they send a bill amounting to more than ₹5000. How am I supposed to pay this?”, laments Sathya, a resident of Anna Nagar, Chennai.
Another resident of Porur who makes a living by working as a domestic worker has received a bill amount of more than ₹4000. “I have 3 children to take care of and a very old mother-in-law. Work is also not stable due to the lockdown and corona cases. Many are asking me to not come to work. Yesterday I had received ₹2000 money from the ration shop. It has now gone into paying this bill.”, she says.
Kokila from Saidapet who also works a domestic worked has received a bill of ₹2000 while her average monthly bill is around ₹700-800.
“On one hand, there has been frequent power cuts for the past 10-15 days. On the other hand they take away whatever little we earn away. The joke is one us.”, says Kokila.
Another user whose house has been locked for the past three months has received a bill of ₹2704. “This is the bill they gave for a locked house. I am in my native now and I can’t go back to Chennai.”, he said.
My house is locked for past three months in Chennai, this is the electricity bill they gave for a locked house. I’m in native so I can’t go to Chennai. Someone please assist pic.twitter.com/RifFTD1tcB
— Barath (@Barath38018555) May 14, 2021
The reason for the high price is that consumers are being asked to pay the highest amount they paid in the year 2020. Also, people are also being made to pay an additional security deposit.
“This comes at a time when many are scrambling for their lives and livelihood. Powercuts have also increased after the DMK came to power. Why is this amount being charged now without considering the plight of people? Why are they so inhumane?” said Karthikeyan, from Arumbakkam.
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