Smart meters hurting consumers?
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 06 2026: The All Manipur Power Consumers' Association (AMPCA) has stated that replacing the existing prepaid meters with a smart electricity meter system would violate consumers' rights.

Addressing the media at Wangkhei Laishram Leikai today, AMPCA general secretary Konthoujam Sanatomba said that they have submitted a memorandum to the Manipur Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) to refrain from implementing the smart meter system and to strengthen the grievance redressal mechanism to ensure consumers' complaints are resolved promptly.

He added that AMPCA has also requested MERC to initiate an independent regulatory inquiry into the process being undertaken by MSPDCL to install the smart meter system, following a directive from the Ministry of Power.

Claiming that MSPDCL has even issued an order to disconnect power supply for consumers who do not install the smart meter system, he questioned whether any rule exists to support this.

He further urged the relevant authorities to examine the accuracy of the smart meter system.

He reasoned that replacing the existing prepaid meters with smart meters would require a huge investment, and the cost would ultimately be passed on to consumers.

He also mentioned that there are complaints from power consumers about increased electricity bills following the installation of the smart meters.

Sanatomba also noted that, so far, no awareness programme has been conducted to inform people about the advantages of the smart meter over the existing prepaid meter.

Saying that a proposal to increase power tariff was submitted during a public hearing on "Tariff Petition for the year 2026-27 organised by MERC on April 30, he urged the Government to refrain from increasing the power tariff.

The ongoing crisis has taken a heavy toll on the people in both the hill and valley district, he explained.

Even though Government records mention that there are around six lakh power consumers in the State, fewer than one lakh have prepaid meter facilities, he said, questioning the motive behind replacing prepaid meters with smart meters before ensuring the prepaid facility is available to all consumers.

He went on to say that the current prepaid metre is still accurate and efficient.

Claiming that the Government has been collecting more power tax from consumers in the valley districts, he urged all concerned to look into the matter.

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