Power Minister Ratan Nath Defends Smart Meters as Consumer-Friendly; Says 'No Risk of Overbilling', Amid Opposition Criticism

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, July 8, 2025

Tripura Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath, while speaking to journalists after the installation of a smart electricity meter at his residence, described the initiative as “modern technology-based and consumer-friendly.” He assured the public that smart meters pose no risk of inflated electricity bills and instead offer greater transparency, convenience, and efficiency for consumers.

The smart meter project is being implemented free of cost at consumer households, business establishments, 11 KV feeders, and distribution transformers, as part of a joint initiative between the Government of India and the Government of Tripura.

Highlighting the seven major benefits of smart meters, the Power Minister said:

'Consumers will receive accurate bills based on automated meter readings without manual intervention and No more home visits from meter readers, saving both time and effort.

He also said that there will be no estimated or surprise bills due to closed doors or inaccessible homes and Consumers can track their daily power usage via mobile apps or the official web portal.

Minister also expressed that

any power outage will be automatically reported to TSECL for quicker redressal and Households can plan electricity usage as per their monthly budget.

Moreover, with a smart meter already installed, solar energy users will not require a separate net meter, saving approximately Rs. 5,000.

Notably, for any information or support, the public can contact the TSECL toll-free number 1912 or visit www.tsecl.in for any support.

However, the initiative has not gone without criticism. Some opposition leaders have questioned the haste with which the Tripura government is implementing the smart meter program, especially while BJP leaders in West Bengal are protesting against it. Critics have also pointed out that ministers and MLAs do not bear electricity costs themselves, as their bills are paid from government funds, making their personal installation decisions symbolic and disconnected from public realities.

Despite these allegations, the state government continues to promote smart meters as a step toward modernization, accountability, and consumer empowerment in Tripura’s power sector.

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