Bhubaneswar: The problems faced by electricity consumers in the state are increasing, but the government is not paying attention to their demands. Consumers are being forced to install smart meters even when their existing meters are functioning properly. Additionally, meter rent is being collected from them for these smart meters. Making the installation of smart meters mandatory is illegal. Electricity distribution companies must refrain from this. Otherwise, a large-scale agitation will be launched in the capital, warned members of the newly formed Odisha Electricity Consumers’ Struggle Committee.
On Wednesday, the committee was formed to fight for the rights of electricity consumers. During a public meeting presided over by Muktikant Biswal, former Chief Secretary Bijay Patnaik stated that making smart meter installation mandatory is illegal and legal support will be provided to the consumers on this issue. In the coming days, committees will be formed in every district and city. Awareness campaigns will be carried out from villages to urban slums. If electricity is disconnected or if low voltage issues occur, companies should be penalized. Discussions will be held with OERC (Odisha Electricity Regulatory Commission) regarding this.
Former Finance Minister and President of the Odisha Electricity Consumers’ Federation Panchanan Kanungo remarked that Odisha is a power-surplus state. In some states where electricity is purchased, free electricity is being provided. Therefore, free electricity should be provided in our state as well. The committee will strongly raise this demand in the coming days.
Former MLA Radhakanta Sethy, leftist leader Mahendra Parida, RTI activist Prakash Das, columnist Madhusmita Pattnaik, and others have warned of launching an intensive agitation on behalf of electricity consumers. Senior advocate Suresh Panda has promised to handle legal cases for consumers free of charge.