The Andhra Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (APERC) notified on February 2, 2026, regarding orders on leading kVARh measurement in LT Metered Services.
The following has been stated:
• It clarifies its orders on measurement and billing of leading kVARh in Low Tension (LT) metered services following consumer complaints of increased electricity bills after installation of smart meters. APERC observed that smart meters record leading reactive energy (kVARh), which was not billed earlier, and that higher bills were largely due to excess capacitor installations at consumer premises rather than meter defects.
• While APERC had earlier, in its FY 2019–20 Retail Supply Tariff Order, directed DISCOMs to unblock leading kVARh measurement, the Commission has now kept those directions in abeyance for LT services until further orders.
• It has directed DISCOMs to withdraw charges already levied on account of leading kVARh after smart meter installation and to adjust the excess amounts in future bills of affected consumers.
• The Commission emphasized that this decision is aimed at protecting consumer interests while continuing to support the smart metering programme, and stated that the issue will be reviewed further before taking a final view.
