Smart meter rollout sparks resistance from consumers

Residents of a housing society in Tonca–St Inez strongly opposed the installation of smart meters on Wednesday.

PANAJI

The Electricity Department’s smart meter project is facing growing resistance from residents.   

On Wednesday, people from a housing society in Tonca–St Inez strongly opposed the installation of smart meters. The vendor’s team, Digi Smart Network Pvt Ltd, Jaipur, had to leave the site after tensions rose.   

Residents said the meters were being installed without consultation. They also raised concerns about higher bills, technical problems and possible health risks.   

The standoff has stalled the project in the area.   

This is not an isolated case. In St Agostinho, St Cruz, residents said their meters were replaced overnight without prior notice. At least half a dozen consumers said they woke up to find their digital meters replaced with smart meters. In one apartment block, meters of four flats, two shops and even the common area were changed.   

Consumer rights activist Roland Martins of GOACAN criticised the move, saying smart meters should not be installed without informing and taking consent from consumers. “No one can enter a home or premises without the consumer’s permission,” he said, urging residents to file complaints with the Assistant Engineer in their area.   

He also said installations should not be carried out in the absence of consumers.   

The project is funded under the Centre’s Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) at a cost of Rs 890.11 crore. Officials say smart meters will improve billing transparency, allow real-time monitoring and reduce power theft.   

However, many consumers remain unconvinced.   

The rollout began late last year with government installations and is now being extended to commercial establishments and homes.   

Orders issued by Executive Engineers allow survey teams of the contractor to visit homes, shops and offices, and residents have been asked to cooperate.   

Despite this, resistance is increasing, with many fearing that the installation is being made mandatory without giving them a choice.   

Officials from the Electricity Department were not available for comment on the Tonca–St Inez incident.