THIRUVANANHAPURAM: The electricity bill during this lockdown times has come as a shocker for consumers as they have lost subsidy and the bill amount has almost doubled. The reason for this is delay in the arrival of KSEB staff to take the reading of electricity metre.

Based on two month’s reading, consumers ought to get Rs 240 unit subsidy at the rate of 30 ps per unit. If the usage is more than 240 unit, no subsidy will be given. Charge per unit will be Rs 4.80 instead of Rs 3.70.

In some houses after taking reading in January end, the next reading was taken in May due to lockdown. When three months’ reading was taken together, unit consumed increased and the charge per unit became Rs 4.80.

Closed shops also got prohibitive electric charges.

Meanwhile KSEB authorities said the issue would be resolved by bringing in some changes to the billing soft-ware. Those who have got bills with high amount could complain to the section office and get it revised.

“The date for remitting the fixed charge for business establishments has been extended to six more months. Those who pay monthly bills need to pay only 70 pc of the March bill. If they have paid more, it will be adjusted in the next bill,” they informed.