Amid widespread uproar across Gujarat regarding smart electricity meters, and numerous complaints about exorbitant bills being generated by these devices, the state government has taken a significant decision to install both smart meters and conventional meters simultaneously outside houses. This decision aims to address misconceptions and concerns among consumers.
Strong protests have emerged against prepaid smart meters in cities like Vadodara, Rajkot, and Jamnagar in the state. Notably, there have been widespread complaints of double or even higher electricity bills being generated by prepaid smart meters.
To address these concerns, top officials from all four state-owned power distribution companies, MGVCL, UGVCL, PGVCL, and DGVCL were summoned to Gandhinagar for a high-level meeting with the energy department. The meeting involved extensive discussions on this boiling matter.
It is noteworthy that the smart meter issue has also reached the High Court, with Vadodara residents filing a petition challenging the implementation of the device.
The outrage took an aggressive shape when residents of a government housing scheme- Swami Vivekananda Heights in Gorwa area of Vadodara -confronted the team of MGVCL on May 15.
The residents expressed their anger, stating that they were not informed about the functioning of smart meters before its installation.
When smart meters were introduced, people who protested against its installation were reportedly threatened with a ₹10,000 fine.