In a collaborative effort led by the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) and the Maharashtra State Electricity Workers Federation (MSEWF), several organizations came together in a meeting held on Wednesday to voice their opposition against the implementation of smart prepaid meters. Labeling the decision to install these meters as ‘anti-people,’ participants expressed concerns over the financial burden it would impose on consumers, leading to an inevitable hike in electricity tariffs.
Eminent economist Dr. Srinivas Khandewale and ITEC National Secretary Mohan Sharma shed light on the perceived flaws of smart meters during the meeting. In response, it was unanimously agreed upon that workers from various sectors would converge at Samvidhan Chowk on June 6 at 4 pm to stage a protest. Following the demonstration, a memorandum condemning the use of smart meters will be submitted to the divisional commissioner.
According to experts, the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) plans to secure a loan of ₹16,000 crore to fund the installation of approximately 58 lakh smart meters in Vidarbha. However, concerns were raised regarding the tender approval process, as the cost per meter, set at ₹6,319, is being charged at almost double the price by the supplier, amounting to ₹11,998.44 per meter.
Critics argue that the introduction of these meters would require consumers to prepay for electricity, facing disconnection once their balance runs out, effectively paving the way for privatization in the distribution sector. Moreover, the proposal to refund security deposits to customers is predicted to exacerbate the financial challenges faced by MSEDCL.