The Fellowship Colony Council (FCC) has issued a clarification that the public is ready to migrate to smart meters (prepaid/postpaid) provided the DOPN upgrades the existing obsolete power infrastructure in order to make it compatible with the new environment that will be created as a result of technology upgrade
A press release by FCC chairman, Arep Changkija and secretary Tino Jamir, stated that the clarification was issued in view of the ongoing back and forth between the public and the DOPN in connection with the installation of smart meters while keeping in mind the benefit of consumers and as a reminder to the DOPN of the representation submitted by DUCCF and GBUD(Sadar)
The release reiterated the following (and not limited to) salient points where upgrades or amendments are non-negotiable:
- Shielded/insulated transmission/Supply conductors with relevant upgrades to poles, transformers, etc. 2. Consumers have never contested the billing rates of electricity although rates in the state is one of the highest. However, accuracy of Pulse rate of meters must be maintained. 3. Uniform billing format for all consumers in the state (Urban and Rural). 4. 24×7 Power supply (abysmal power supply, especially in Dimapur, unacceptable).
The FCC further noted that the above representations are well within the ambit of fundamental rights as guaranteed in the Constitution of India, especially when it concerns a paid service arrangement.