Concerns over consent and billing spikes raised
Members of the ‘Citizens for Democracy’ addressing the media on the smart meters issue.
MARGAO
The Citizens for Democracy has dared the BJP government and Power Minister Ramkrishna Sudin Dhavalikar to make what he termed as “forced smart meters” a poll issue in the upcoming Ponda by-poll.
As election campaigning in Ponda heats up, convenor of ‘Citizens for Democracy’ Elvis Gomes sharpened its challenge against the BJP-led government, by demanding that the move for mandatory installation of smart meters be made a poll issue in Ponda.
Addressing the media, Gomes informed that while opposition to smart meters is limited to installation without consent, he said that forceful entry into private homes to install the devices would be viewed as a serious trespass and violation of privacy of citizens.
He read out news clips from States such as Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand to show that smart meters face severe opposition in several BJP ruled States. “The challenge comes amidst a wave of frustration from consumers across India who have already transitioned to the new technology,” he said.
The citizens group highlighted three primary areas of concern that remain unaddressed by the current administration, including sudden billing jumps, pointing out that the significant, unexplained spikes in charges compared to traditional digital meters.
Speaking about the lack of due process, Gomes said the looming threat of “remote disconnections” where power can be cut without prior notice or a hearing during payment disputes.
Amar Gaonkar, an active therapist in alternative healing and holistic health, demanded transparency in the process as it was already causing anxiety among the people.
He appealed to local bodies to demand a full audit of the smart meter rollout. Sharing a draft of a legal notice to be written to the CEE, Gaonkar told the people to flood the CEE office with the request to refrain from allowing the private agency to install smart meters in homes.
