Bernard N. Marak raises alarm over soaring electricity bills in Garo Hills, demands smart meter audit
Tura, 19 Octover 2026: MDC Bernard N. Marak has raised concerns over the sharp rise in electricity bills following the installation of smart meters across Garo Hills, demanding an independent investigation into alleged excessive billing and a review of the impact of privatisation on electricity consumers.
In a media statement, Marak said households across the region, including rural families, urban consumers and those living Below the Poverty Line (BPL), were struggling to cope with what they described as unusually high electricity bills.
He questioned the accuracy of smart meters and the transparency of the electricity billing system, stating that the growing complaints required urgent attention from the government. “Electricity is an essential public service, not a luxury that should be beyond the reach of economically vulnerable citizens,” Marak said, urging the authorities not to dismiss the grievances of consumers who are struggling to pay their bills.
He called for an independent and transparent technical audit of smart meters, particularly in areas where consumers have reported significant discrepancies in their electricity bills. He also urged the government to verify meter readings, billing calculations and applicable tariffs to ensure that consumers were being charged fairly. Marak said the issue also raised broader questions about the privatisation of electricity services, arguing that commercial interests must not take precedence over public welfare.
According to him, the government cannot absolve itself of responsibility for ensuring fair tariffs, transparent billing, reliable electricity supply and effective consumer protection merely because private entities are involved in the management or distribution of electricity.
He further highlighted the financial difficulties faced by daily-wage earners, low-income households, pensioners and BPL families, particularly amid alleged delays in the payment of various honorariums, salaries, bills and pension benefits to eligible beneficiaries.
“This is not merely a matter of rising electricity bills. It is a question of accountability, transparency, consumer rights and the government’s responsibility towards the people,” he said.
Among his key demands, Marak called for an independent audit of smart meters, publication of clear billing information, a time-bound grievance-redressal mechanism and the correction of erroneous bills. He also sought better protection for economically vulnerable consumers and a review of the impact of privatisation on electricity tariffs and service quality. He further demanded that responsibility be fixed for any proven irregularities and that appropriate action be taken against agencies or officials found responsible for negligence or violations.
Marak also urged the government to ensure that consumers who raise genuine disputes over their electricity bills are not subjected to undue harassment or arbitrary disconnection while their complaints are being investigated, in accordance with applicable regulations.
Stressing that technological upgrades alone should not be treated as a measure of development, he said smart meters must demonstrate tangible benefits for consumers through accurate billing, improved efficiency and greater transparency. “The people of Garo Hills deserve answers, transparency and concrete action—not excuses,” Marak said, urging the government to prioritise public welfare and ensure that electricity remains affordable for ordinary families.