TATA Power smart meter row: Protests, warning to clarification by TPWODL

Tata Power, the largest power company in India, focusing on providing the best sustainable energy solutions, has been embroiled in controversy in Odisha, thanks to their alleged wrong and inflated billing and sub-standard smart meters.

The smart electricity meters have received a lot of backlash from people across Odisha, especially from TPWODL consumers. From block to block, farmers are intensifying their protests with many dumping trucks and tractors loads of smart meters.

Accusing the power company of wrong and inflated billing as well as coercive measures for consumers’ inability to pay, protests and outrage have been reported from Bargarh, Sambalpur, and other districts.

The protesters have time and again accused the power company of tampering with the smart meters and exploiting consumers by furnishing them with inflated electricity bills. Many have even accused the meter of running without even switching on.

Not just common men, but farmers’ organisations have also extended their support to the protests against the discom. With no major relief, the protests are only intensifying each day.

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TATA Power Smart Meter Issue & Warning by Deputy CM 

Meanwhile, the state government has warned of taking strict action against people for unauthorized removal of smart meters. Recently, Odisha Deputy CM KV Singh Deo warned that the government would be left with no option but to ask the power company to disconnect electricity to consumers who have removed their meters illegally. 

If consumers have any doubt or complaint about the proper functioning of the meters, they are required to inform the distribution licensee, he stated. 

Clarification from TPWODL over TATA Power Smart Meter Issue

On the other hand, TPWODL in its clarification has stated that the smart meters cannot be tampered with.

CEO Prabin Verma refuted the allegations of inflated billing and said, “The metering process cannot be remotely tampered with. The smart meters are valid and if anyone has any doubt, they can lodge a complaint test.”