Former Tripura Power Minister and CPI(M) leader Manik Dey on Wednesday hit back at the state government over the ongoing controversy surrounding smart electricity meters, alleging that consumers have been facing rising bills and service-related problems without receiving satisfactory explanations from the authorities.

Addressing a press conference at the CPI(M) state headquarters, Dey said complaints related to electricity services, billing and smart meters had increased since 2018. He alleged that the government had failed to provide satisfactory answers to the concerns raised by consumers, while various claims were being made about the issue.

Dey said the introduction of smart meters was not a new concept and that the Left Front government had also initiated steps to modernise the power system. The objectives included reducing transmission and distribution losses, lowering technical losses and improving the quality and reliability of electricity supply.

According to him, during the Left Front regime, around 40,000-50,000 smart meters were installed on a pilot basis through projects supported by the World Bank and the Central government. He said there were no major complaints from consumers at that time.

However, he alleged that the situation had changed after 2018, with efforts being made across the country to bring all consumers under smart metering and with greater participation of private agencies in supplying, installing and maintaining meters.

Dey questioned who would be responsible if consumers faced meter faults, unusually high bills or required replacement of meters when private agencies handled the entire process.

He clarified that the Left Front was not opposed to smart technology or modernisation of the power sector. However, he said consumers must not be subjected to an additional financial burden in the name of technology.

Dey demanded a neutral investigation into complaints related to smart meters, transparency in billing and meter readings, and a clear mechanism for resolving consumer grievances. He also urged the government to clarify who would be responsible for the supply, installation and maintenance of smart meters.