Protests Erupt Over Smart Meters in Uttar Pradesh
Growing Anger Over Smart Meters in Uttar Pradesh
Lucknow News: The discontent regarding smart meters in Uttar Pradesh shows no signs of abating. Daily, residents are seen uprooting these meters from their homes and throwing them at electricity offices. In various locations, people are parading with smart meters on their heads or smashing them on the ground to express their frustration. Videos of such protests are circulating widely on social media from different districts, including Agra, Firozabad, Moradabad, Meerut, Hamirpur, Hapur, and Lucknow.
The Yogi government announced Relief 1.0 on April 20 and formed an expert committee tasked with submitting a report within ten days. This deadline expired on April 30, and residents are still awaiting a resolution. The initial relief announcement provided a grace period of three days for consumers using up to 2 kW, along with a waiver for negative balances up to ₹200 and a promise not to disconnect connections on holidays. However, as public anger persisted, the government also introduced Relief 2.0.
This new relief measure stated that domestic consumers using up to 1 kW would not face disconnection for 30 days. This meant that users could recharge in postpaid mode within thirty days. Despite this announcement on April 24, public outrage continued, leading to ongoing protests.
Allegations of Forced Smart Meter Installations
Allegations of Forced Smart Meter Installations
Consumers, along with opposition parties and the state consumer council, have taken a stand against the situation. The state consumer council has approached the electricity regulatory commission, alleging forced installations of smart meters and demanding intervention from the Chief Minister. In a sharp critique of the government regarding the smart meter issue, Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav has voiced strong opposition.
In response to questions about the smart meters, Yadav remarked that people are breaking and discarding these devices, expressing distrust in the BJP's technology. He criticized the government for not generating electricity while insisting on the installation of smart meters, noting that women have also joined the protests by discarding the meters.
75 Million Smart Meters Installed
75 Million Smart Meters Installed
As of now, approximately 75 million smart meters have been installed across Uttar Pradesh. Residents claim these meters run faster, resulting in higher bills. Users of prepaid meters report that their balance depletes quickly, even without usage. A viral video features an individual stating that despite their home being closed and the MCB being turned off, their balance continues to be deducted daily. This video has gained significant traction on social media.
When the government announced a 30-day grace period for domestic consumers using up to 1 kW on April 24, there was hope that public anger would subside. However, this has not been the case. In the 1 kW load category, there are about 4.2 million consumers, and now, the direct demand from residents is to remove smart meters and revert to the old ones. It is noteworthy that the deadline for installing smart meters under the RDSS has been set for March 2028. This raises the question of what urgency the government perceives amidst this turmoil.