LoP demands review of power tariff, smart meter decisions

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, August 10, 2026

Tripura Leader of Opposition Jitendra Chowdhury on Sunday criticised the state government over the recent increase in electricity charges and issues concerning smart meters, and demanded that the decisions be reconsidered.

Chowdhury alleged that the process of weakening the state's electricity service system began during the tenure of former Power Minister Jishnu Dev Varma, when five divisions of the Power Department were handed over to private companies.

He further alleged that subsequent decisions placed an additional financial burden on consumers while benefiting private power companies.

According to Chowdhury, protests by people prevented the government from proceeding with a second phase of privatisation. He also alleged that private power companies were subsequently facilitated in leaving the state after large financial transactions.

Criticising Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath, Chowdhury alleged that similar problems were now emerging in the agriculture and power sectors.

On smart meters, the CPI(M) leader claimed that the state government did not have effective control over their operation and alleged that private companies had an influence over the system.

He linked this, among other issues, to complaints from consumers about higher electricity bills.

Chowdhury said public discontent over electricity charges was increasing and urged the government to address the issue before the situation became more complicated.

He also called for an immediate review of the decisions concerning the increase in electricity charges and smart meters, seeking measures to reduce the financial burden on consumers.

The allegations could not be independently verified. There was no immediate response from the state government to the allegations.

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