Mumbai: The Shiv Sena (UBT) on Thursday protested against what it said was the forcible installation of smart electricity meters in the suburbs.
Leading the protest, MLC Anil Parab said the Shiv Sena (UBT) had given a letter to Adani Electricity Mumbai Ltd (AEML) and instructed it not to install the smart meters until all queries and clarifications sought by consumers were addressed.
Parab said the power company had agreed to the Shiv Sena (UBT) demand and stated it would respond to the queries before proceeding with the smart meter installation. “For now, they will stop the installation of meters,” Parab said.
Parab said the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) must hold a public hearing on the issue of smart meters and listen to elected representatives.
“Electricity is an essential service, and when providing such an essential service, the rights of consumers have to be kept in mind. We also have MERC. But all MERC rules were ignored, and Adani Electricity Mumbai Ltd Limited started installing smart meters in people’s homes. The existing meters are being removed under the guise of repairs, and smart meters are being installed. They insert chips in them and control them remotely. The poor have to pay money even when they have no money. There is no respite as the electricity connection is cut immediately,” Parab said.
Parab said the govt had given relaxation to farmers and waived their electricity bills. “Their connections are not cut. But even in cities, there are poor people. They are all low-end customers. If they delay the payment of the bill by one-two days, then their connection will be cut. Those who are paying bills will also suffer. The meters can be controlled by the head office, and you won’t be able to do anything. This is looting of consumers, and we will not let it happen,” Parab said.
Parab also brought up the issue of cash payments. “Even cash counters are shut, and they only take a maximum of Rs 5,000. RBI allows people to pay up to Rs 50,000, so Adani must start cash counters and accept cash up to Rs 50,000 for paying electricity bills. We have also made these demands. Just like farmers’ bills have been waived, in the same way bills up to 300 units must be waived by the govt,” Parab said.
