Power deptt clarifies on smart meter issue

Drawing attention to outcome of last month’s joint meeting by Dimapur Urban Council Chairmen Federation (DUCCF), Dimapur District GBs Association (DDGBA) and GB Union Dimapur Sadar (GBUDS) on the issue of smart pre-paid metering, the department of power has sought to clarify few observations made jointly by three organizations.
In a press release, executive engineer, electrical division Dimapur, appreciated the observations raised by the organizations, but clarified on the issue of cost of installation/replacement of meters; installation of smart meter in government offices/buildings, industrial and commercials establishments etc.
On cost of installation/replacement of meters, the power department stated that there was no cost for installation/replacement with smart meters. The department informed that it was carrying out installation/replacement of existing meters with smart meters under two projects—Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) & Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS).
Under SASCI, the department said the smart meters were installed on pre-paid mode while under RDSS, the smart meters were installed on post-paid mode initially.
While installing/replacing with smart meters on pre-paid mode, the department said initial recharge with certain amount was done without which meters would not operate. It said that amount so recharged was duly recorded in the “migration form” signed jointly by DoPN/division’s representative and consumer.
While installing/replacing with smart meter on post-paid mode, the department said no charges were levied and meter was installed at no cost to consumer.
For queries, clarifications or verifications, the department informed the consumers to visit the respective sub-division’s office on any working days.
On installation of smart meter in government offices/buildings, industrial and commercials establishments, the debarment said the installation process was underway in line with the guidelines of the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) of the Government of India.
The department stated that electrical division Dimapur was actively engaged in infrastructure augmentation works simultaneously with smart metering works under RDSS for improvement of Power supply.
On option between existing meter(post-paid) and smart pre-paid, the department admitted that the right to electricity as an essential service was a fundamental right of citizens. However, it stated that the methodology and means of delivering the service were determined by the government and the department of power, as established by the rule of law.
The department said it was now mandatory to replace all existing post-paid meters by smart pre-paid meters including new service connections as per government of India and state government notifications.
Meanwhile, the power department informed that it had already responded to the fact finding committee report of DUCCF, DDGBA and GBUDS dated July 9, 2025.