State to meter 20 lakh agriculture pumps

Inflated agriculture electricity bills has remained a bone of contention between the state government and the farmers. Conceding that something was amiss in the agriculture electricity bills, the state now plans to meter all 20 lakh agriculture pumps to get accurate reading.

“Activists, farmers have claimed many times about inflated electricity bills. The allegations need to be analysed and there is no doubt that everyone should get accurate bill. We can take help of technology to overcome the problem,” Chairman and MD of MSEDCL Sanjeev Kumar said.

The state currently, has metered only 18 lakh agriculture pumps and the reading is not always accurate. “It is true the readings are not accurate always. Hence, we have introduced an App to read the meters. Also, we are aiming to meter remaining 20 lakh pumps which is a challenge,” he said.

The state needs Rs 4,000 crore to meter the remaining pumps.