PNS | DEHRADUN
The Bharatiya Janata Party claimed that many Congress-ruled states have smart meters installed but the party is creating unnecessary hurdles in Uttarakhand just for the sake of politics. The BJP State media in-charge Manveer Singh Chauhan stated this in response to the Congress’s opposition to the installation of smart electricity meters in Uttarakhand. He accused Congress of misleading the public and acting as a barrier to efforts aimed at reducing electricity theft. Chauhan alleged that the opposition does not want Uttarakhand to progress economically or provide better services to consumers. He stated that smart meters are crucial for both consumers and the electricity department, ensuring transparency, accurate billing and better financial management.
Chauhan stated that chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has introduced free electricity benefits, providing 200 units in high-altitude areas and 100 units in plains areas. He stated that smart meters will provide consumers with real-time electricity consumption updates, online access to usage details, automated billing alerts and easy payment options. He stated that nearly 20 crore smart meters are approved for installation nationwide, with over 55 lakh already in use. Uttarakhand has also completed the selection process for agencies to implement the system. According to Chauhan, smart meters will eliminate billing fraud, reduce consumer complaints and allow users to track their usage through a mobile app. Monthly meter readings will no longer be required and consumers will avoid late fees and billing discrepancies. The system will also improve power management by providing real-time data for better planning. Chauhan said that smart meters are not just beneficial for consumers but also for the electricity department, as they will curb power theft and increase revenue.
