Assam Consumers' body opposes pre-paid smart meters

 STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The All Assam Electricity Consumers' Association (AAECA) has opposed the Assam Cabinet's recent decision to approve replacement of digital meters with pre-paid smart meters and termed it as a ploy to enable smart meter manufacturers to gain undue profits.

In a statement, AAECA's convenor Ajay Acharjee questioned the need for introducing pre-paid smart meters at a time when the digital meters are functioning effectively in monitoring monthly power consumption by electricity consumers. He said that an amount of Rs 4,362 crore will be spent on installing the pre-paid smart meters for 44 lakh power consumers across the State. He described this expenditure as "totally unnecessary".

Acharjee said that the pre-paid smart meters will not show how much electricity is consumed by a consumer and at what tariff. Moreover, the consumers will have to pay even before utilizing the required electricity, which will be totally unfair and unethical, he said, adding that such a system will only ensure that the Assam Power Distribution Company Limited (APDCL) earns crores of rupees in advance without supplying power to its consumers.

Acharjee further referred to the fact that the government has announced that around 5,000 youths will get engaged in the smart meter installation process. He said in this regard that the employment found by the 5,000 youths will be temporary because they will not be needed once the installation process is completed. On the other hand, he said, the move to install pre-paid smart meters will render jobless numerous meter readers who are working under the APDCL.

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