Shiv Sena (Shinde faction), a coalition partner in the state government, has entered the smart meter debate in Nagpur, submitting a memorandum to Mahavitaran demanding a temporary halt to installations until an independent inquiry into complaints of inflated electricity bills is completed.
A delegation led by Nagpur Lok Sabha Shiv Sena district chief and corporator Suraj Goje submitted the memorandum to Superintending Engineer Lande at the Mahavitaran office near Gaddigodam Chowk. Several consumers, it said, have reported unexpected bill spikes after smart meter installation, alongside doubts over meter accuracy, with meters allegedly being installed without adequate technical clarity, generating fear and resentment among residents.
The party demanded installations be paused until complaints are probed by a separate technical committee, meters flagged by consumers are reviewed, prior consumer consent is obtained, an awareness campaign is run, and grievance camps are set up in each division. It also sought protection from punitive action or disconnection for consumers disputing inflated bills until the inquiry concludes.
Lande assured the delegation the grievances would be taken seriously, promising a citywide awareness drive, live demonstrations comparing old and smart meters, and a focused review of pending complaints. Shiv Sena warned of an intensified agitation if the demands aren’t met promptly.
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