Section 22 in Bihar Electricity Regulatory Commission (Standards of Performance of Distribution Licensee) Regulations, 2006
22. Defective Meters.
(1)On intimation by the consumer or meter reader, any staff/officer or the Licensee that a meter is defective, the Licensee shall arrange for inspection and site testing for its accuracy within seven (7) days in urban areas and within fifteen (15) days in rural areas.(2)If the meter has failed due to causes attributable to the distribution system like high voltage, loose contacts and ageing, the meter shall be replaced by the Licensee at his cost within seven (7) days.(3)If the meter has failed due to lapse on part of the consumer like over loading, exposure to water or tampering, the Licensee shall serve a notice to deposit the cost for new meter or to deposit a meter of appropriate capacity alongwith testing fees within seven (7) days. The Licensee shall replace the meter within fourteen (14) days of receiving payment/meter as the case may be from the consumer.(4)If the Meter's seals have been tampered, the Licensee shall investigate and take necessary action under Sections 126, 135 and 133 of the Act.(5)Energy bills shall not be raised on erroneous reading of the meter. The bills in such case may be raised on the basis of the energy consumption for the last six (6) months or if provided otherwise, in the Tariff Order in force, the later shall prevail.
