Dwarbond locals opposes prepaid smart meters, forms committee to raise awareness

In a significant development, the All Assam Electricity Consumers Association's Cachar District Co-ordination Committee organized a meeting at Dhwarband Nachghar, addressing the pressing issue of prepaid smart meters. Presided over by Madhab Ghosh, a respected local activist, the meeting saw active participation from concerned residents.

Sujit Akura elucidated the purpose of the gathering, shedding light on the complexities involved in the implementation of smart meters. The main speaker, Hillol Bhattacharya, emphasized the lack of transparency surrounding the personalization of electricity distribution through smart meter installations. He pointed out the ethical concerns associated with the unilateral installation of these meters, highlighting that electricity is a service, not a commodity.

Bhattacharya expressed concerns about corporate exploitation of the increasing electricity demand, particularly in the region, emphasizing that electricity should be viewed as a service, not a profit-making commodity. He criticized the enforcement of prepaid metering systems, branding them as unethical practices. The imposition of exorbitant charges in advance, he argued, is not only unethical but also illegal.

The management of APDCL (Assam Power Distribution Company Limited) has implemented prepaid smart meters, leading to written electricity bills and online management of all related matters. This approach has left rural residents, who are not accustomed to online activities, in a state of confusion and inconvenience. Moreover, not everyone has the means to make advance payments, making the prepaid smart meter system impractical for many consumers.

During the meeting, Mohan Mala and Anil Bonik voiced their concerns as well. Following discussions, Mohan Mala was elected president, and Ramkumar Bakoti was appointed editor, forming a committee comprising 38 members for the Dhwarband Bazaar Committee. The newly formed committee's primary objective is to raise awareness among the public and prevent the installation of smart meters in the area in the future. This collective effort reflects the community's resolve to protect their rights and interests in the face of technological changes impacting their lives.