Nagaland: Power deptt clarifies on smart pre-paid meter concerns

Power department on Thursday clarified the concerns raised by Dimapur-based civil society organisations (CSOs)— Urban Council Chairmen Federation (DUCCF), Dimapur District GBs Association (DDGBA) and GB Union Dimapur Sadar (GBUDS)—over alleged “forced” pre-paid meter installation.
In a press release, executive engineer (EE) electrical division Dimapur, clarified that implementation of smart pre-paid metering was not a forced action but a necessary step towards achieving self-sustainability in the power sector and providing better services, including 24/7 power supply.
EE said that adopting this technology was essential to eliminate human errors and intervention.
Further, EE said that the department, under the centrally sponsored scheme Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), was actively engaged in infrastructural augmentation works in the odd/wee hours, which include installation of additional distribution transformers, reconductoring of HT lines and LT cabling replacement works, to improve the power supply and provide quality service to the consumers.
With regard to installation of meters, EE asserted that smart meters have been installed in almost all government offices and institutions, industrial and commercial establishments.
EE also pointed out that in accordance with the mandate from the Centre and subsequent notification from the state government, there was no option to choose between pre-paid and post-paid meters, adding that compliance with government directives was required.
Admitting that the right to electricity as an essential service was a fundamental right of citizens, the department, however, said that the methodology and means of delivering this service were determined by the government and the department of power, as established by the rule of law.
Therefore, the department said that it was the responsibility of the citizens to abide by the law.
The department also reminded that it was also the fundamental duty of consumers to honestly pay for the services rendered in order
to foster an ecosystem that supported the sustainability of the power sector while the department undertakes various reform initiatives within the organization.
The department has, therefore, reiterated its appeal to the consumers to cooperate and collaborate with the government to achieve the objectives of RDSS scheme.