Smart electricity meters being imposed against will of consumers: Patwari
He argued that such imposition is economic injustice for the common man and demanded immediate intervention by the state govt.
"The Supreme Court has said that installation of smart meters is dependent on the will of the consumer, but despite this, electricity companies are forcibly installing smart meters," Patwari said. Earlier, where the bills would be between Rs 300 to Rs 600, now after the installation of smart meters, people are upset seeing bills ranging from Rs 6,000 to Rs 20,000.
It has become a means of smart loot," he argued.
Patwari said that reports of smart meters catching fire or exploding have been reported from several cities in India. These incidents have become a cause of fear and anxiety among consumers, especially when their bills are also increasing drastically, he said.
"Recently, a blast in a newly installed smart meter was reported in Kolar area of Bhopal. The incident spread panic among residents.
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Several smart meters installed in a supermarket building in Jabalpur suddenly caught fire and started burning like fireworks. People said that new smart meters were installed in place of old meters a few days ago," he said.
Installation of smart meters is being done under the Central Zone Power Distribution Company, West Zone Power Distribution Company and East Zone Power Distribution Company (DISCOMs). These DISCOMs are working in collaboration with private companies in whose interest the smart meters are being forcibly installed, the state PCC chief said.
"There should be an independent and high-level investigation of the readings, technical flaws and billing process," Patwari said. "Abnormally increased bills should be immediately cancelled, and new bills should be issued on the basis of actual consumption," he added.
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