Dimapur, September 2 (MExN): The office of the Dimapur Electrical Division, Department of Power today clarified that the Department is carrying out the replacement of existing meters with Smart Meters free of cost.
“There is no cost for installation/replacement with Smart Meters,” stated the Executive Engineer, Electrical Division, Dimapur, in a clarification to “a few observations” jointly made by the Dimapur Urban Council Chairmen Federation (DUCCF), Dimapur District GBs’ Association, and GB Union Dimapur Sadar during a press conference on August 23.
The Department is carrying out installation or replacement of existing meters with Smart Meters under two projects – Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) and Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), it informed.
Under SASCI, the Smart Meters are installed on Pre-paid mode, while under RDSS, the Smart Meters are installed on Post-paid mode initially, it added. The Department further noted that while installing or replacing with Smart Meters on Pre-paid mode, an initial recharge with a certain amount is done, without which meters will not operate.
“The amount so recharged is duly recorded in the ‘Migration Form’ signed jointly by DoPN/Division’s representative and the consumer,” it pointed out. On Post-paid mode, no charges are levied and the meter is installed at no cost to the consumer, it said.
The Division further urged consumers to visit the respective Sub-division office on any working day for any clarifications or verifications.
Meanwhile, it further highlighted that installation of Smart Meters in Government offices or buildings, industrial and commercial establishments is underway in line with the guidelines of the RDSS project of the Government of India.
The Department of Power, Electrical Division Dimapur, is actively engaged in infrastructure augmentation works simultaneously with Smart Metering works under RDSS for the improvement of power supply, it maintained. The Department further reiterated that while the right to electricity as an essential service is a fundamental right of citizens, the methodology and means of delivering this service are determined by the Government and the Department of Power, as established by the rule of law.
“It is now mandatory to replace all existing Post-paid meters with Smart Pre-paid meters, including new service connections,” it added, citing various rules and notifications.
Further, the Department of Power has already responded to the Fact-Finding Committee Report of DUCCF, DDGBA, and GBUDS on July 9, it added.
