Smart Meters Don’t Increase Power Consumption: Survey In 3 CG Cities Proves It

Smart Meters Don’t Increase Power Consumption: Survey In 3 CG Cities Proves It

Raipur, Durg, Bilaspur Data Shows 28% To 53% Drop In Power Use In July 

Smart Meters Do Not Increase Power Consumption: Truth Revealed In Survey Of 3 Cities

Amid rumors and misinformation around smart meters, Chhattisgarh State Power Distribution Company has conducted a 3-month comparative study of domestic consumers with smart meters across various regional offices.

The analysis of May, June and July 2026 consumption clearly shows that power consumption of most consumers reduced significantly in July

Key Findings From The Survey:

1. Raipur City
For 3,11,374 domestic smart meter consumers: 

– 1-26 June 2026: ∼10.85 crore units 

– 1-26 July 2026: ∼7.77 crore units 

Total drop: 28%

For consumers using over 400 units, among 1,21,135 consumers the drop was approx 44%.

2. Durg City
For 240 selected smart meter consumers with usage above 400 units: 

– May 2026: 1,75,451 units 

– June 2026: 1,65,411 units 

– July 2026: 76,257 units 

Total drop in July: ∼53%

3. Bilaspur City Circle* 
For *9,717 smart meter consumers* with monthly usage above 400 units: 

– *May Avg*: 524 units 

– *June Avg*: 596 units 

– *July Avg*: 312 units 

*Drop in July: ∼43%*

*What The Data Proves*

1. *Consumption Depends On Usage, Not Meter*: 

   The reason for higher bills is *actual consumption by consumers, not smart meters*. Even homes _without_ smart meters saw a rise in consumption in April-May-June 2026 vs last year, and a drop in July.

   *Examples from Raipur:*
   – _Avanti Vihar_: June 2025 – 895 units → June 2026 – 2487 units
   – _Rajiv Nagar_: June 2025 – 896 units → June 2026 – 1762 units 
   – _Kachna_: June 2025 – 759 units → June 2026 – 1579 units

2. *Relief For High-Consumption Users*: 

   Consumers using ACs with usage above 400 units don’t get benefits under _Mukhyamantri Urja Rahat Jan Abhiyan Yojana_. But July data shows even their consumption has dropped. This means *August bills will be lower and more consumers will qualify for relief*.

3. *Supply Affording Charges Rationalized*: 

   Earlier, if demand exceeded sanctioned load for 3 consecutive months, supply affording charges were added every month. Now, this charge will be levied *only once a year in the December bill issued in January*.

The study makes it clear: *Smart meters are not the cause of higher consumption. Increased use of electrical appliances is.* 

Smart meters actually help consumers *monitor and control unnecessary usage in real time*.

*Chhattisgarh State Power Distribution Company* urges consumers not to believe misleading information. It will continue to provide factual, transparent data to clear all doubts about smart meters.