Udharbond people protest against smart prepaid meters: Demands for fair electricity pricing and removal of smart meter system

Residents of Govindpur 1st Block in Udharbond Samshti gathered in protest against the installation of smart prepaid meters, citing concerns over escalating electricity prices and unfair charging practices. They argue that while electricity costs continue to rise unchecked, the introduction of smart prepaid meters only exacerbates financial burdens on consumers by imposing high recharge costs and difficulty for low-income households to keep up with payments.

 Many residents express frustration over the dual system of prepaid and postpaid meters in some areas, leading to additional billing complexities and confusion. Moreover, customers report ongoing deductions from their meters without clarity or justification, prompting calls for an immediate halt to the smart meter system and a return to traditional meters in affected areas.

The protest underscores a growing discontent among residents over the implementation of smart prepaid meters, highlighting broader issues of affordability and accessibility in the provision of essential services. For many, the burden of recharging prepaid cards poses a significant obstacle, particularly for those with limited financial resources.

The insistence on maintaining outdated billing systems alongside the introduction of smart meters further complicates billing procedures, exacerbating frustrations among consumers who demand transparency and fairness in their electricity billing.

In response to mounting grievances, residents are united in their demand for action, calling for the cessation of the smart meter system and the restoration of traditional meters in affected areas. Their demands reflect a collective desire for equitable electricity pricing and a return to billing practices that prioritize the needs and financial well-being of all residents, particularly the most vulnerable members of the community.