TPCODL security deposit row: BJD launches protest demanding withdrawal

The youth and student wings of Biju Janata Dal (BJD) staged a protest outside the TPCODL (Tata Power) office in Bhubaneswar, demanding immediate withdrawal of the company’s notices on additional security deposit and smart meter installation, on Thursday.

Also Read: Anger grows over TPCODL’s security deposit notices, state-wide protest threatened

During the demonstration, BJD workers were seen breaking smart meters as a mark of protest.

The agitation was led by the youth BJD president, Chinmaya Sahu and the student BJD president, Ipsita Sahoo. Hundreds of party workers gathered in front of the TPCODL office, raising slogans and accusing the power utility of burdening consumers with unjust financial demands.

The protesters alleged that the extra security deposit and smart meter notices were against the public interest and should be immediately withdrawn.

“A consumer pays the security deposit at the time of applying for an electricity connection. Subsequently, the consumer also pays tariff at higher rates, as and when it is increased, as per the units consumed. Tata Power has now hatched a big conspiracy for smart theft in a smart way,” the youth BJD president alleged.

“An additional security deposit is not something new; it existed earlier as well. We are doing everything as per the rules envisaged in the Electricity Act, 2003. This is a regulated business—electricity bills, connections, and charges are all regulated,” a TPCODL official said.

“Credit interest is also being given on the security deposit that is being collected. We have also issued advertisements in mass media regarding the additional security deposit. Smart meters are taking completely accurate readings; they work in the same way as the old meters used to take readings,” the TPCODL spokesperson expressed.

“The idea that more money is being charged by TPCODL is a misconception; nothing like that is happening anywhere. We are using both old meters and smart meters, and to date, both meters are showing the same readings. If anyone has any personal issues, they can come to us and inform us,” the senior official added.