No other option other than smart meters: KPDCL
MASROOR AHMAD
SRINAGAR: KPDCL authorities clarified that there was no alternative to the installation of smart meters and that the meters will be installed across Kashmir.
The statement comes amid the protests by the consumers against the installation of smart meters in their respective areas. Chief Engineer KPDCL said that the ongoing project of smart meters installation in Srinagar and other parts of Kashmir will not be in vain. “Smart meters have to be installed today as well as in the future,” he said.
He added that in past you have witnessed protests in some areas but nothing significant resulted from them, and ultimately the smart meters were installed. Chief Engineer made it clear, that there is no difference between smart meters and regular meters, except for one additional feature i.e providing consumers with automatic readings on their mobile phones or other smart devices.
Concerns about flat rates in the downtown area, he clarified, “There is no such thing, and just like in other places, smart meters will also be installed in downtown as well as across Kashmir.” Earlier parts of Srinagar city witnessed protests, blocking roads and shopkeepers downing their shutters to oppose administration’s policy over installation of Smart meters. Protesters were demanding removal of smart meter from their houses. The protesters said, we cannot afford electricity bills, we have been paid flat rates of Rs 920 per month. Even that amount is unaffordable to many as most of the population belongs to labour class. Locals alleged that electricity supply to several localities were cut off to put pressure on them to adopt meters, it was after police intervention that electricity was restored.
Meanwhile to maintain peace additional police personnel were deployed in the city after the protests.