Smart meters only for new homes, Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Ltd tells Karnataka high court
Bengaluru: The Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Ltd (Bescom) told high court that installation of smart meters is applicable only to new houses and not existing electricity connections.
The clarification came during a hearing on a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Karnataka Vidyuth Sene and others.
The petitioners contended that consumers were being compelled to shift to smart meters despite existing ones functioning properly. They also questioned the procurement process, stating smart meters were being offered at higher rates, whereas other states had distributed them for around Rs 900 per unit.
The petitioners argued as per Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) regulations, smart meter installation is optional. However, recent circulars and tender notifications allegedly make the transition compulsory.
After briefly hearing the matter, a division bench comprising acting Chief Justice V Kameshwar Rao and Justice CM Joshi issued notices to the state govt, KERC, and Bescom. The hearing has been adjourned.
The petitioners have sought quashing of the circulars, adherence to KERC's regulations, and compliance with transparency laws in public procurement. They also requested that consumers with working static meters should not be forced to bear the cost of replacement.
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