Tata Power accused of looting consumers, farmers demand exit of TPWODL from Western Odisha

The ongoing protests by farmers over smart electricity meters of Tata Power Western Odisha Distribution Limited (TPWODL) in Odisha’s Bargarh has intensified. From block to block, farmers are continuing with their protests and are removing the installed electricity meters and dumping them at TPWODL offices.

The protesters are accusing the power company of wrong and inflated billing. Today, the farmers packed two tractor loads of smart meters and returned to Bisipali grid in Sohela block.

“We want the company to exit from Western Odisha as they are looting the consumers here. Many are not able to pay electricity bills. The government could remove the company and distribute power through its corporation,” said an agitator. Another protester said, “The meter is running without switching on. We want repayment of our bills.”

On August 29, hundreds of farmers in the district took to the streets and dumped the electricity meters outside the Tata Power office. The farmers joined the protest in response to the call by Saheed Madho Singh Regional Farmers’ Organisation. A large number of farmers assembled in front of the Tata Power office to dump around 3000 smart meters.

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