The Tripura Electricity Consumers Association (TECA) has launched a scathing attack against the Tripura State Electricity Corporation Limited (TSECL) for installing smart meters, calling the move anti-people and an attempt to benefit corporate giants like the Ambanis, Adanis, and Torrent Group.
In a strongly-worded statement, TECA demanded immediate withdrawal of the smart meters already installed and warned of statewide resistance if the rollout continues.
What Are the Allegations?
TECA alleged that smart meters are being installed without the consent of house owners — in some cases, even when residents aren’t home or under threat of power disconnection. According to TECA, the entire policy is part of a central government scheme that prioritizes corporate interests over public welfare.
“Smart meters are being pushed to benefit big industrialists, not the consumers,” the TECA statement said.
The Tripura Electricity Consumers Association also cited West Bengal as an example, where installation of smart meters has been suspended due to public opposition.
Privatization and Mismanagement: Tripura Electricity Consumers Association’s Concern
The Tripura Electricity Consumers Association’s concern go beyond smart meters. The group highlighted deep-rooted mismanagement within TSECL, accusing the corporation of:
- Handing over power supply, repairs, emergency services, and billing to private agencies.
- Creating room for corruption and poor service delivery by failing to recruit official staff like meter readers and linemen.
- Sliding from a profit-making body in 2019 to a loss-making corporation from 2019–2020 due to poor governance.
In 2022, TSECL was ranked 33rd out of 53 state-run electricity corporations, underscoring its deteriorating performance.
Smart Meters: Covering Up Failures
Tripura Electricity Consumers Association belives the smart meter installation is a “cover-up tactic” — a desperate move to distract from internal failures and reward private players.
“The installation of smart meters is the latest in a series of steps by the TSECL to hide its inefficiency and serve private agencies in exchange for illegal benefits,” said TECA.
The association made it clear: The people of Tripura will resist the smart meter drive at all costs.
What This Means for Tripura Residents
This protest is not just about meters — it’s about transparency, accountability, and public trust. While smart meters are marketed as modern and efficient, TECA raises important questions:
- Are they truly beneficial to the consumer?
- Is public consent being taken seriously?
- Is this yet another move to privatize essential services?
Conclusion
The rising resistance from Tripura Electricity Consumers Association(TECA) reflects growing public frustration with opaque policies and privatization in essential services. As Tripura debates the future of its power infrastructure, the voices of its consumers may prove to be the most powerful current of all.