Smart metres

Thousands of smart meters have been installed in different parts of Srinagar city by the Power Development Department (PDD). Among those thousands are pre-paid meters and the rest post- paid. The electricity consumers get the bills on their mobile phones.

That way they also monitor the consumption of electricity daily on the mobile phones. Such a facility on phones is liked by the people since they get an idea to use the electricity judiciously and save themselves from excessive usage and more bill payment.

Reports indicate that a number of smart meters are not functioning properly. Sometimes the readings or billing is not sent to the consumers daily on phones. There is a break of several weeks and a consumer is unable to know how much  electricity has been consumed in his house. It causes inconvenience to the pre- paid consumers.

They remain unaware about  the  electricity consumed. Consequently, they fear automatic discontinuation of power supply to them in case the pre-paid amount is exhausted. Sometimes, a total bill of the unbilled days is sent without any break-up giving rise to doubts and suspicion in the minds of the consumers.

They think perhaps excessive billing has been done by the department. The consumers say they have been bringing such problems into the notice of concerned officials. While the problem is solved but it re-occurs again after some time.

They want a permanent solution of the problem. The concerned officials must address the problem seriously. The consumers must not be made to visit the PDD offices frequently. The smart meters have to be maintained properly and such problems need to be avoided.

Even if the problem occurs once, it should not re-occur frequently. If the consumers continue to face inconvenience, it can affect the PDD's move to install the smart meters in other areas also where those are yet to be installed.