If you’ve ever glanced at your electricity bill in Salt Lake City and thought, “This seems too high,” you’re not alone. I’ve dug into the latest procedures (as of June 2025) from WBSEDCL (the power distributor in Salt Lake) and CESC (in some parts), and here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to checking your bill, filing a complaint, and appealing disputes at every level.
1. Step 1: Understand Your Bill and Check Basics
Before jumping into disputes, first:
- Review recent bills — compare monthly usage. Sudden spikes could signal faulty meters, changes in appliances, or incorrect readings.
- Check your meter & wiring — Reddit users in Kolkata have spotted faulty meters causing inflated bills; replacing a meter brought their bills back in line.
- Track unusual events — Did you run an extra AC? Did an appliance malfunction?
- Check metering cycles — Occasional delayed billing (e.g., merging two months) can hike charges .
If nothing seems off yet costs look unusually high, it’s time to raise a complaint.
2. Step 2: Lodge a Complaint with WBSEDCL
For Salt Lake customers (WBSEDCL):
- Visit the website and log into your account, or use “Docket your Complaint” under the Customer Corner.
- Via IVRS/missed call/SMS: Registered users can raise issues using missed call/SMS to the WBSEDCL number.
- Call customer care: Dial the 24×7 helpline (19121) for power issues.
- In-person visit: For Salt Lake region complaints, reach the Bidhannagar Regional Office at Sector 1, Salt Lake.
Tip: Always note down your complaint reference number—it helps for follow-ups and escalation.
3. Step 3: Follow Up & Check Status
- After lodging, use website, helpline, or regional office to track.
- WBSEDCL typically resolves within a few working days.
- If they don’t act, it’s time to escalate.
4. Step 4: Escalate to Grievance Redressal Officers (GROs)
If your issue isn’t sorted quickly:
- Approach your Regional Grievance Redressal Officer. For Salt Lake, it’s Sri Tilak Chattopadhyay at the Bidhannagar office.
- Write a brief letter or email (include your complaint number, consumer reference, date, and issue summary).
- You can also reach the Central GRO—Sri Sanjoy Kumar Bhunia at Vidyut Bhavan, Salt Lake.
- Submit before 90 days have passed since the issue occurred .
- GRO is expected to investigate, adopt SOP steps, hear your side, and pass an order.
5. Step 5: Still No Resolution? Move to the Ombudsman
If GRO’s resolution doesn’t satisfy you:
- Write within 20 days of receiving the GRO’s order to the Electricity Ombudsman at WBERC, New Town Rajarhat.
- Use their prescribed format (name, address, consumer number, date, reference numbers, and attach copies of earlier complaints) .
- Ombudsman must issue a reasoned decision after hearing you.
6. Step 6: Last Resort – Consumer Forums or Lok Adalat
If you are still unhappy:
- Approach Consumer Forums:
- District-level if claim ≤ ₹50 Lakh;
- State-level for ₹50 L–₹2 Cr.
- District-level if claim ≤ ₹50 Lakh;
- File under the Consumer Protection Act—claiming unfair billing or poor service.
- Lok Adalats (permanent benches) also resolve public utility disputes without court fees and offer final, binding decisions.
These options are cost-effective and faster than normal courts.
7. What to Include When You Appeal
Regardless of level, your complaint must include:
- Complaint numbers, consumer details, dates
- Copy of bills, receipts, last reading vs corrective reading
- Meter or wiring inspection reports
- Copies of communication and past orders
- A clear statement: why the bill is wrong and what resolution you want (refund, correction, compensation).
Keep everything well-organized.
8. A Quick Escalation Timeline
- Day 0 — Raise complaint (website/missed call/helpline)
- Day 3–7 — Follow up; confirm acknowledgement
- Day 8–30 — If unresolved, escalate to GRO
- Within 90 days — GRO issues resolution
- Within 20 days of GRO decision — File with Ombudsman
- Consumer Forum or Lok Adalat (if Ombudsman fails to satisfy)
9. Tips to Strengthen Your Case
- Collect consistent meter readings with photos and dates.
- Request WBSEDCL for meter inspection or replacement.
- Link your billing spike to profile changes (e.g., AC purchase).
- Keep records of all online calls, emails, and printouts.
- If needed, seek help from consumer rights groups or advocates.
10. Learning from Others
From Kolkata Reddit users:
“I suggest get your meter changed…within 1 month they changed to digital one. Tarpor…600–700…per month.”
Faulty meters are often the main culprit behind bogus bills.
11. Why You Should Not Ignore High Bills
- Small, unchecked issues can snowball into thousands of rupees monthly.
- Ongoing discrepancies may signal meter or wiring faults needing repair.
- Escalation ensures accountability and can include reimbursements or compensation.
✅ Summary of Key Steps
| Stage | Action |
| Check your bill | Review usage, compare past bills, look for spikes |
| Raise complaint | Use WBSEDCL portal, helpline or office; record reference number |
| Follow up early | Resend or revisit if no response within a week |
| Escalate to GRO/CGRO | Submit in writing if unresolved (within 90 days) |
| Ombudsman appeal | File 20 days after GRO order |
| Consumer Forums / Lok Adalats | Consider if still unsatisfied—free or low-cost resolution |
📌 Final Takeaway
Disputing a high electricity bill in Salt Lake might feel tedious, but you’re fully supported by a multi-tiered grievance system—from WBSEDCL up to Lok Adalats. With methodical follow-up, clear documentation, and use of the available escalation paths, you can ensure fair billing and accountability—without battling a faceless utility company alone.
Source : fulinspace.com
