The Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam (GUVNL) said state discoms will not forcefully install smart meters and will first win the trust of the people. This comes after widespread protests across Gujarat against the installation of such meters. A statement from the company said they will install these meters in government offices so that there can be a demonstration effect. “People can see and compare for themselves,” the statement said.
GUVNL was forced to make a statement after public protests erupted in some cities of Gujarat including Vadodara where smart meters were being installed. People complained of being overcharged through smart meters.
To a question on a Vadodara-based smart meter customer getting a whopping Rs9.24 lakh electricity bill, GUVNL MD Jayprakash Shivhare said they have tried to search for the cases reported in the media.
“In some cases, we have been able to find the customer, inquired and found no issues.”
So far 67,856 smart meters have been installed across Gujarat.