Chorus grows against installation of smart meters in Sambhajinagar

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: There has been mounting opposition from certain areas in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar after the MSEDCL started replacing old meters with Time of Day (ToI) meters or smart meters.
Leftist politicians accused the BJP and its alliance partners of taking a U-turn in matters related to the smart meters.
"Prior to the assembly elections, the BJP assured a stay on installing smart meters, fearing public flak. Now the polls are over, BJP leaders are pushing for the installation of such meters without taking consumers into confidence," said leftist politican Abhay Taksal said. He claimed that the pre-paid meter will burn holes in the pockets of customers.
"The present and future govt policies, involving these devices, are private firm-friendly," Taksal said.
Vikas Gaikwad, a consumer leader, said the MSEDCL must replace smart meters installed in some areas at the earliest. "We have planned a mega agitation on May 6 in front of the MSEDCL regional office. A large number of citizens are expected to join the agitation against the smart meters," he said.
When contacted, MSEDCL authorities said charges levelled by leftist leaders and others are baseless. "The installation of new meters is a part of the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) of the Centre. It is happening across the country with an aim to modernise the power distribution sector by improving its efficiency and accountability. The scheme is consumer-friendly," a senior MSEDCL official said.
Power utility officials categorically debunked claims that existing post-paid meters would be converted into pre-paid meters. "It is false propaganda, and consumers must not believe it," authorities said.