Locals protest mandatory smart meters for Solar Panel installation in Surendranagar

Surendranagar: The issue of smart electricity meters has once again created an uproar in the district, as customers who wish to install solar panels are being required to install a mandatory smart meter.

Following numerous complaints and protests against smart meters, the Paschim Gujarat Vij Company Ltd (PGVCL) had  temporarily halted the installation of these meters. However, the controversy surrounding smart meters has resurfaced, as residents who install solar panels in their homes are now mandated to have smart meters.

On Monday, local electricity consumers presented their concerns orally at the PGVCL circle office. They stated that those who have installed solar panels in the last three months or are currently in the process of installing them are being required to have smart meters. If consumers refuse, they risk losing their subsidies.

In response to these concerns, A.S. Vaghela, the superintending engineer of the power company, explained that the directive for mandatory smart meters alongside solar panel installations came from the head office, and therefore, the work is proceeding accordingly. DeshGujarat