SHILLONG:
All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) legislator George B Lyngdoh that the smart meters should have been checked, verified and approved by the national agency the Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL).
“But here, the government have by passed the EESL, not utilising their services nor signed any MoU but at the same time they have taken a loan of Rs. 232 crore from the ADB to fund the smart meter project,” Lyngdoh said.
He said that when EESL is the nodal agency identified under the Ministry of Power to ensure that the smart meters are installed across the country to bring in energy efficiency what the state government not opt for EESL services when it is totally funded under the national programme.
Lyngdoh also said that the loan of Rs 232 crore from the ADB not only financially burdens the ailing MeECL but also cash strapped state government which has brought in a loan for a programme which is actually meant to be free of cost upfront.
He said that the average cost of the smart meter throughout the country is around Rs. 3500 inclusive of installation.
The opposition legislator said that a smart meter in the state would cost around Rs. 12, 000.
According to Deputy Chief Minister, Prestone Tynsong, in Meghalaya the basic price of the single-phase smart meter is Rs 3750 and taking into account all the other components – the meter box, the cost-of-service cable fitting, installation, the modules and communication models, among others – the price becomes Rs 5889.
Lyngdoh said that since the state government has taken a loan for the smart meter project and in order to ensure that they get their installments from the funding agency definitely it will have to push.
“So the government is trying to implement by force and impose upon the consumers. The consumers should be given an option. Whether they use a normal meter, a pre-paid meter or a smart meter,” he said.