Bescom adopts optical probe machines for accurate meter reading

Bengaluru: To make meter reading foolproof, Bescom has started using automatic optical probe machines to gather readings.

Meter readers now connect the probe to the meter, and the machine automatically collects the reading and generates a bill, reducing manual intervention.

Senior Bescom officials said the system has been in use for three months and has improved billing accuracy.

"The automated systems improve accuracy and make the process tamper proof. This also improves transparency,” the official said.

Sources said the electricity company had received complaints that some meter readers recorded lower readings after being bribed by customers. The new technology would prevent such fraud.

“Sometimes, we observe that the meter readings of a few houses vary drastically and have received complaints that our meter readers are recording lower values. The new system will put a stop to all such fraud,” a senior official from the meters department of Bescom said.

Gruha Jyothi scheme

Sources said such incidents increased after the implementation of the Gruha Jyothi scheme.

“Some house owners ask to be billed for readings within their eligible units. I have heard some colleagues do that for money,” a meter reader told DH on condition of anonymity.

While officials said meter readers recorded lower readings, citizens had a different view.

“Many record readings late, which increases our bills. Some have recorded random values without visiting houses, resulting in higher bills. I hope this technology ends such behaviour,” said Sahana B, a resident of North Bengaluru.