Complaints of meters being installed at premises in owner's absence
PANAJI
The Goa Electricity Department’s drive to install 7.5 lakh smart meters across the State where representatives of its vendor Digi Smart Network Pvt Ltd, Jaipur, are going around installing the meters is facing persistent resistance from consumers in Tiswadi even as the government is pushing ahead with the phased rollout.
The implementation of the project, funded under the Centre’s Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) at a cost of Rs 890.11 crore, began in November–December last year with installations in government departments and Electricity Department subdivisions. It was then extended to commercial establishments and households in early 2026.
According to the department’s plan, phase I covered government installations, while phase-2, now underway, includes Division I in Panaji, covering Taleigao, Bambolim, Corlim, and Panaji City.
In phase-3 scheduled for later this year, the department will take up the Margao and Mapusa divisions, while phase-4 will cover Vasco and Ponda.
The target is to complete the rollout within three years, a senior GED official said.
Resistance meanwhile has grown in several localities of Panaji and St Cruz. Earlier last month, residents of a housing society in Tonca–St Inez opposed the installation of smart meters and the vendor’s team was forced to withdraw after tempers flared.
The common apprehension raised by consumers is that the smart meters were being forced onto them without consultation or consent. In several instances, consumers are not being informed of the schedule when teams will come to install the meters and often install them in their absence.
Other reasons cited by those resisting the drive is that they fear inflated bills, technical faults, and health risks.
Consumer rights activist Roland Martins of GOACAN has been critical of the unilateral drive suggesting that the department should hold consultations and convince consumers.
He also termed as illegal the act of even authorised personnel of the department, to carry out smart meter installation without the consent or presence of the consumer. “Any person entering the premises or residence cannot do so without the permission of the consumer,” Martins argued and advised consumers to lodge complaints with the Assistant Engineer of their areas if the smart meters are installed in their absence or without their knowledge.
Meanwhile, general orders issued by Executive Engineers have authorised survey teams of the contractor to visit homes, shops, offices, hospitals, and other establishments to validate consumer data and install smart meters.
The notices by the EEs, urge citizens to cooperate.
Officials pushing the project are claiming that smart meters will ensure transparency in billing, allow real‑time monitoring of electricity usage, and reduce theft.
But consumers are not convinced and concerns over data privacy, billing accuracy, and hidden costs continue to linger.
Nationally, the Central government has set a target of 25 crore smart meters. A parliamentary panel has urged faster rollout but stressed the need for stronger consumer safeguards.
For now, the government's rollout of smart meters in Tiswadi continues, but resistance in several pockets officials admit has slowed the progress.
