Smart meter backlash grows worldwide as consumers raise billing concerns

A recent protest organised against the imposition of smart meters in Gujarat. Pics/By Special Arrangement

Maharashtra's growing opposition to smart electricity meters is part of a worldwide trend. From Europe and the US to a host of Indian states, consumers have raised concerns over inflated bills, billing accuracy, smart and prepaid metering and consumer rights.

A common grievance among consumers in India has been a sharp rise in electricity bills after the installation of e-meters, despite claims that the new system would improve billing accuracy, promote energy conservation, and provide greater transparency.

Public anger and server glitches forced a total prepaid policy reversal in UP and installation halts in Gujarat and Goa. Street protests over sudden bill hikes have been reported in Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, and Meghalaya, while videos of physical meter destruction have emerged from Jammu and Kashmir.

Activists seek to create awareness about e-meters in Matunga. Pics/By Special Arrangement

In states like Bihar and Assam, there is a lag in mobile integration, along with power cuts. Labour union issues (fear of job loss and public hostility) and infrastructure challenges have also added to the problem, delaying the initial rollout phases across Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Punjab, and Delhi.

‘Consumers want clarity'

Gujarat-based activist Kamlesh Kotecha alleges that there have been cases of forcible implementation and high billing in his state. "The growing use of RTI applications in the debate reflects a broader demand for transparency rather than opposition to technology itself. Consumers are seeking clarity on issues such as the legal basis for installation, consent, meter testing, procurement, cyber security, billing accuracy, and grievance redressal. If utilities proactively disclose this information and address concerns through transparent communication, independent testing and strong consumer safeguards, public confidence in smart meter deployment is likely to improve significantly."

Activist's legal notice

Activist Kamakar Shenoy has slapped a legal notice on the Central Electricity Authority seeking answers to a few questions regarding the potential health risks consumers face due to exposure to the continuous radio frequency and electromagnetic field radiation emitted by smart meters, as well as the vast amount of e-waste that could be generated by the scrapping of these electronic devices.

Expert Speak

Power expert Ashok Pendse termed smart meters a modern grid-management tool with significant technical advantages, including accurate automated billing, real-time energy monitoring, faster fault detection, improved demand forecasting and better integration of renewable energy. "These capabilities can help utilities reduce losses and manage electricity supply more efficiently. However, the technology also raises legitimate concerns from a consumer perspective. Features such as remote disconnection, data privacy, billing transparency, cyber security and the absence of adequate consumer safeguards have led to resistance in several regions. Experience from India and abroad shows that public acceptance depends less on the technology itself and more on how it is implemented. Transparent policies, informed consumer consent where applicable, robust grievance redressal mechanisms and independent oversight are essential to build trust. Without these safeguards, even technically sound systems are likely to face public opposition," he said.

Global backlash

According to activist and expert GR Vora, smart meter rollouts worldwide have faced significant challenges. "Across the US and Canada, public opposition has centred on data privacy, cyber security, distrust of utilities and health concerns over electromagnetic radiation. Across Latin America, Africa, and Asia, rollouts have struggled due to affordability, weak infrastructure, unreliable internet connectivity and unstable power grids," he said.

Activist Kamakar Shenoy, said a few case studies have been publicly documented in the magazine of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. "The examples are based on publicly reported information and are not meant to suggest that all smart meter projects have failed or that the same issues necessarily exist in every jurisdiction. Each country's experience depends on its laws, technology, implementation, regulatory oversight, and consumer protection framework," he said.

Great Britain
Many consumers reported difficulties while switching electricity suppliers, with some smart meters losing functionality.

Australia
Key concerns included the high cost of implementation, objections to mandatory installation in some states and time-of-use tariffs, under which households using electricity during peak hours reported higher bills.

Italy
It is often cited as one of the world's most successful examples of large-scale deployment, the country has over 30 million smart meters. However, the rollout also witnessed challenges and concerns from consumers, particularly over privacy, data security, and the replacement of older meters.

Germany
It adopted a cautious approach to smart meter deployment, slowing the rollout to address cybersecurity and data privacy concerns.

Voices of concern

Priya Pai, activist and Mira Road resident
‘The main issue is not taking consensus. I've witnessed non-consensual smart meter installation in my neighbourhood. Electric meters were originally introduced as cost-effective systems. So why are the billed amounts thrice those of regular meters? This is looting in broad daylight'

Vivek Bhandarkar, Mahim resident
‘Smart meters are being rolled out hastily in Mumbai. We have not installed them yet, but those who have are being double their previous charges. People must oppose the installation of smart meters even after receiving threats from the officials'