Short Answer

If your cooperative housing society switches to individual sub-meters for water or electricity, you retain the right to fair billing, transparent meter readings, and access to usage data. The society cannot impose arbitrary charges or disconnect your supply without due process, as per the Gujarat Cooperative Societies Act, 1961 and Electricity Supply Code Regulations.

Detailed Explanation

When a society installs individual sub-meters for water or electricity, it changes from collective (shared) billing to individual consumption-based billing. While this system promotes fairness, it must be implemented transparently and in accordance with the law.

Under Section 74 and Section 93 of the Gujarat Cooperative Societies Act, 1961, the managing committee must ensure that any such change is approved by a General Body Resolution and properly recorded in the minutes. The rights of individual members remain protected — the society cannot misuse the sub-meter system to overcharge or penalize members.

Your primary rights in such a setup include:

Right to Transparent Billing:

You are entitled to clear monthly bills showing your exact meter reading, tariff rate, and calculation details.

Right to Fair Usage Charges:

The society can only recover charges equal to the actual amount billed by the water or electricity provider, proportionate to your recorded usage. No member can be forced to pay for another’s consumption.

Right to Access and Verification:

You have the right to inspect your sub-meter readings, request calibration or testing if you suspect inaccuracy, and receive a written copy of the readings on demand.

Right Against Disconnection:

The society cannot disconnect your sub-meter supply directly for non-payment unless the general utility provider authorizes it through due legal procedure. Only the main utility company (e.g., Torrent Power, PGVCL, AMC Water Board) has such authority under respective regulations.

Right to Appeal:

If you believe the society is misusing sub-meters or issuing inflated bills, you may:

File a written complaint with the Registrar of Cooperative Societies under Section 93 (for mismanagement), and

Approach the Consumer Grievance Redressal Forum (CGRF) or the Electricity Ombudsman if electricity billing is involved.

These rights ensure that sub-meter systems remain a tool of fairness, not exploitation.

Real-world Scenarios

Scenario 1: The society installs sub-meters for each flat. Mr. Mehta receives an inflated bill and requests a meter check. The society must arrange inspection or allow him to verify readings.

Scenario 2: Mrs. Shah’s sub-meter is faulty, and she receives excessive bills. She files a complaint to the society, and when ignored, escalates it to the Registrar under Section 93.

Scenario 3: The committee threatens to cut Mr. Patel’s sub-meter line for delayed payment. He objects, citing that only the main electricity provider can authorize disconnection, not the society.

Reference

Sections 74 and 93 of the Gujarat Cooperative Societies Act, 1961: Official PDF

Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission (Electricity Supply Code) Regulations, 2015: Official PDF

Rule 36 of the Gujarat Cooperative Societies Rules, 1965 (for General Body approval): Official PDF