Smart meter backlash grows worldwide as consumers raise billing concerns

Maharashtrarsquos 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 rightsA common grievance among consumers in India has been a sharp rise in electricity bills after the installation of emeters despite claims that the new system would improve billing accuracy promote energy conservation and provide greater transparencyPublic 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 KashmirActivists seek to create awareness about emeters in Matunga PicsBy Special ArrangementIn 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 DelhilsquoConsumers want clarityrsquoGujaratbased activist Kamlesh Kotecha alleges that there have been cases of forcible implementation and high billing in his state ldquoThe 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 significantlyrdquoActivistrsquos legal noticeActivist 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 ewaste that could be generated by the scrapping of these electronic devices Expert SpeakPower expert Ashok Pendse termed smart meters a modern gridmanagement tool with significant technical advantages including accurate automated billing realtime energy monitoring faster fault detection improved demand forecasting and better integration of renewable energy ldquoThese 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 oppositionrdquo he saidGlobal backlashAccording to activist and expert GR Vora smart meter rollouts worldwide have faced significant challenges ldquoAcross 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 gridsrdquo he saidActivist Kamakar Shenoy said a few case studies have been publicly documented in the magazine of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers ldquoThe 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 countryrsquos experience depends on its laws technology implementation regulatory oversight and consumer protection frameworkrdquo he saidGreat BritainMany consumers reported difficulties while switching electricity suppliers with some smart meters losing functionalityAustraliaKey concerns included the high cost of implementation objections to mandatory installation in some states and timeofuse tariffs under which households using electricity during peak hours reported higher billsItalyIt is often cited as one of the worldrsquos most successful examples of largescale 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 metersGermanyIt adopted a cautious approach to smart meter deployment slowing the rollout to address cybersecurity and data privacy concernsVoices of concernPriya Pai activist and Mira Road residentlsquoThe main issue is not taking consensus Irsquove witnessed nonconsensual smart meter installation in my neighbourhood Electric meters were originally introduced as costeffective systems So why are the billed amounts thrice those of regular meters This is looting in broad daylightrsquoVivek Bhandarkar Mahim residentlsquoSmart 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 officialsrsquo