Following the privatisation of Chandigarh's power sector, over 9,257 billing complaints have surfaced, while the Union Ministry refuses to disclose whether average consumer bills have actually increased.
Key Takeaways
- 9,257 billing-related complaints were registered in Chandigarh during the 2025-26 fiscal year.
- The Union Ministry of Power declined to provide category-wise electricity bill comparisons pre- and post-privatisation.
- Smart meter installation remains slow, with only 27,100 total units installed to date.
Months after the privatisation of Chandigarh's power sector, a significant surge in consumer grievances has come to light. According to data provided in Parliament, Chandigarh Power Distribution Limited (CPDL) recorded 9,257 billing-related complaints during the 2025-26 fiscal year. This spike is particularly notable as a new tariff regime was implemented on November 1, 2025.
The Transparency Gap
MP Manish Tewari raised critical questions regarding the impact of privatisation on the common man. He specifically sought a category-wise comparison of average electricity bills before and after the transition to the private entity. However, the Union Ministry of Power bypassed this fundamental query, instead providing technical details about regulatory frameworks and JERC tariff orders.
The refusal to provide direct consumer-facing data regarding average bill fluctuations creates a massive gap in public accountability.
Smart Meter Rollout Concerns
The transition has also seen a limited rollout of smart meters. While the government noted that 3,300 additional smart meters were installed post-privatisation, bringing the total to 27,100, Tewari highlighted that smart meters remain optional for Chandigarh consumers rather than a compulsory mandate.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that the lack of comparative financial data regarding utility costs is a red flag for consumer rights. Without knowing if the privatisation has led to higher costs for residential or commercial sectors, the public is left in the dark regarding the true economic impact of the policy change.
Data Summary
| Metric | Pre-Privatisation | Post-Privatisation (CPDL) |
|---|---|---|
| Average Bill Comparison | Data Requested | Not Furnished by Centre |
| Billing Complaints | N/A | 9,257 |
| Smart Meter Status | Optional | 27,100 Total Installed |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the smart meter mandatory in Chandigarh?
No, smart meter installation is currently optional for consumers in Chandigarh.
2. Who manages electricity in Chandigarh now?
Chandigarh Power Distribution Limited (CPDL) manages the distribution and retail supply.
