Mass agitation against smart meter replacement in Dwarbond market: Consumers demand accountability from power distribution company

 In a fervent demonstration of dissent, the All Assam Electricity Consumers Association's Duwarbond regional committee held a protest meeting today at the Dwarband market. The gathering, chaired by Mohan Mala, president of the regional committee, witnessed impassioned speeches denouncing the alleged coercive tactics employed by a private company regarding the replacement of prepaid smart meters.

Madhav Ghosh, a prominent member of the district committee, expressed concern over the dissemination of threatening messages to consumers and the recent initiation of a campaign by a private company. He highlighted the absence of clear answers regarding the substantial surge in bills following smart meter replacements and the lack of detailed electricity charge information provided to customers in printed form.

Ghosh asserted, "The replacement of smart meters is shrouded in secrecy, leaving consumers uninformed and violating consumer rights. The Electricity Act emphasizes providing adequate notice before disconnecting electricity, a provision currently being disregarded."

The movement against the replacement of prepaid smart meters is gaining momentum across the state, with consumers advocating for their rights. Ramkumar Bakti, Paritosh Bhattacharya, and others joined the chorus of voices condemning the actions of the power distribution company APDCL.

Consumers are now rallying for a robust democratic movement to counter the imposition of smart meter replacements. The Association urges fellow consumers to unite against this initiative, emphasizing the need for transparency and adherence to consumer protection laws.

The protest signals a growing unrest among electricity consumers, demanding accountability and fair treatment in the ongoing transition to prepaid smart meters.