DIMAPUR, AUG 10 (NPN): Dimapur Urban Council Chairmen Federation (DUCCF) has raised concern over continued irregular power supply and frequent voltage fluctuations in Dimapur, saying the disruptions were damaging household appliances and adding to the financial burden on consumers.
In a press release, DUCCF president Zasivikho Zakiesato urged the power department to take immediate technical and preventive measures to ensure a stable, safe and reliable electricity supply across colonies and localities.
The federation said repeated voltage fluctuations and sudden power interruptions were reportedly damaging fans, refrigerators, air-conditioners, televisions and other electrical and electronic appliances.
It said such damage was particularly burdensome for ordinary families, who may have to bear repeated repair or replacement costs.
DUCCF said around 25,000 prepaid smart meters had been installed across Dimapur district, according to its approximate assessment.
The federation recalled that during the introduction of prepaid smart metering, consumers were given the understanding that modernisation of the distribution system would improve efficiency and power supply. It said consumers had cooperated with the transition and made timely prepaid payments, and therefore had a reasonable expectation of improved quality, stability and reliability of electricity.
The federation, however, appreciated the efforts of power department officials, engineers, technicians and field staff, acknowledging the challenges involved in maintaining and upgrading power infrastructure under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS).
It said the success of smart metering and RDSS should not be measured merely by the number of meters installed or infrastructure upgraded, but by visible improvements in the quality, safety and reliability of electricity reaching consumers.
DUCCF said the issue assumed greater importance with examinations approaching, as frequent power cuts and voltage fluctuations could disrupt students during their preparation.
It urged the department to make every effort to provide stable and uninterrupted power, particularly during evening and night study hours.
The federation also raised concern over reports from some localities alleging the use of coercive measures, threats and intimidation during smart-meter installations.
Claiming to have sufficient proof of such reports, DUCCF urged the department to ensure that implementation of the smart-metering programme was carried out through proper communication, consultation and due process while respecting consumers’ concerns.
The federation said it remained hopeful that the department would address public grievances through dialogue rather than coercive measures.
DUCCF also recalled a meeting jointly organised with the Dimapur District GBs Association (DDGBA) and GB Union Dimapur Sadar (GBUDS) on August 24, 2025 in Dimapur, which was attended by more than 300 leaders from colony and village councils.
The meeting deliberated on the implementation of the prepaid smart-metering system and constituted a fact-finding committee.
The committee subsequently submitted three recommendations to the power department’s Dimapur division: phase-wise installation of prepaid smart meters beginning with government offices and institutions, industries and commercial establishments; allowing domestic consumers the choice between prepaid smart meters and existing meters; and immediate improvement of power infrastructure and customer-care services.
DUCCF urged the power department to acknowledge and act on the recommendations submitted by the fact-finding committee.
Tuesday, August 11, 2026