By TC News Desk
Agartala, 5th August 2025: Mounting frustration over erratic electricity billing has sparked public outrage in Kailashahar, with residents accusing private electricity provider Sai Computer of gross mismanagement and negligence.
Abdul Khaliq, a small shopkeeper from Baghachhara village has become a face of the growing unrest. Operating his modest store in the Chinibagan area, Khaliq alleges that he has been subjected to unexplained billing surges that threaten his livelihood.
“Three years ago, I didn’t have an electricity connection. When I got it, my bill was around ₹500 monthly. The office promised it would come down, and for a while, it did — to around ₹300-350. I paid it regularly,” said Khaliq.
However, beginning in May this year, his bills began to soar without warning. After paying ₹342 in May, he was stunned to receive a ₹780 bill just 15 days later in June. July’s shocker came in the form of a ₹3,799 bill for a span of just 25 days.
“I sell goods worth ₹400-500 a day. After rent, this kind of billing makes it impossible to survive. I may have to shut down the shop,” Khaliq told reporters, his voice trembling with distress.
Attempts to file a formal complaint on July 18 were reportedly stonewalled by Sai Computer staff, who allegedly refused to accept his submission. Instead, Khaliq was told his meter was damaged and required separate documentation for testing. Illiterate and struggling, he said he had to seek help just to prepare the written application.
Despite repeated appeals and visits to the electricity office, Khaliq claims no resolution has been offered. In desperation, he turned to journalists, warning, “If no proper action is taken, I will go to the consumer court.”
Local residents echo his grievances, alleging that arbitrary billing and poor customer service have become routine under Sai Computer’s management since it took charge of the Kailashahar subdivision in September 2019.
“The company blames customers without conducting proper inquiry. Complaints go unanswered,” said one frustrated local.
