What to do if your solar meter burns out? How do you get a new one, and where do you file a complaint?

If you have a solar meter installed at your home and it has burnt out for some reason, what should you do next? How can you get a new meter installed, and will there be a cost involved? Here are all the essential details.

Nowadays, many people are installing solar panels on their rooftops to get relief from high electricity bills. If you have installed solar panels and a solar meter (also known as a net meter) at your home, this information is for you. What should you do if the net meter stops working or burns out? Where should you file a complaint, and how can you get a replacement?

If the net meter malfunctions or burns out, do not ignore the issue; file a complaint immediately so that the meter can be reinstalled after an inspection.

Where to file a complaint?

If the net meter develops any fault, report it immediately to your electricity company. There are several ways to file a complaint:

You can report electricity-related issues by calling 1912. Keep your consumer number handy after filing the complaint.
You can also register a complaint on your electricity company's (DISCOM) official website.
Alternatively, you can visit your electricity company's office in person to file a complaint.

What is the cost?

The cost of installing a replacement meter depends on the specific circumstances. If the meter failed or burnt out due to a general malfunction—and the consumer was not at fault (for instance, if consumption did not exceed the sanctioned load)—there is usually no charge for replacement, or the cost is minimal. However, this depends on the specific rules of your electricity company. Therefore, always familiarize yourself with your electricity company's policies when getting the meter replaced. Don't forget to provide essential details

If you are filing a written complaint, it is important to include certain key details, such as:

Full address
Father's name
Mobile number
Electricity connection Consumer ID
Additionally, if the meter is burnt or defective, mention its serial number. Also, request that the meter be replaced as soon as possible.

What happens next?

After you lodge a complaint regarding the meter, electricity department personnel may visit your home to inspect it. The inspection aims to determine the cause of the malfunction or damage; the subsequent steps are taken only after this assessment.

How will the new meter be installed?

Electricity department staff will visit your home to conduct an inspection, after which the department may install a new meter. In the case of a solar connection, a new net meter or smart meter may be installed based on requirements.