Gujarat Addresses Smart Meter Concerns
POWER & RENEWABLE ENERGY

Gujarat Addresses Smart Meter Concerns

In response to widespread protests and concerns over prepaid smart electricity meters, particularly in cities like Vadodara, Rajkot, and Jamnagar, Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited (GUVNL) has initiated a strategic approach to dispel misinformation and build public confidence. The state utility has decided to install these smart meters in public offices across various levels?panchayats, talukas, districts, and other government departments?alongside conventional meters. This initiative allows consumers to directly observe the functioning of both meter types before any residential installations proceed .

The decision follows significant public outcry, with complaints of inflated electricity bills associated with the new smart meters. To address these issues, GUVNL is also implementing a dual meter system where conventional meters will run alongside smart meters for every consumer, providing a transparent comparison to ensure billing accuracy .

This move is part of a broader effort to ensure that the transition to smart meter technology, which is crucial for enhancing energy efficiency and management, gains widespread acceptance among the public. The demonstrations in government buildings are intended to provide tangible proof of the meters' reliability and fairness in billing practices .

Moreover, the issue of smart meters has escalated to the High Court, with residents of Vadodara filing a petition challenging their implementation, highlighting the need for careful handling of public concerns and the importance of transparent communication from authorities .

GUVNL's approach reflects a commitment to addressing consumer concerns head-on, ensuring that the benefits of modern energy management technologies are understood and accepted by all stakeholders involved. This initiative not only aims to resolve immediate issues but also to foster long-term trust in the state's energy policies and infrastructure upgrades.

In response to widespread protests and concerns over prepaid smart electricity meters, particularly in cities like Vadodara, Rajkot, and Jamnagar, Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited (GUVNL) has initiated a strategic approach to dispel misinformation and build public confidence. The state utility has decided to install these smart meters in public offices across various levels?panchayats, talukas, districts, and other government departments?alongside conventional meters. This initiative allows consumers to directly observe the functioning of both meter types before any residential installations proceed . The decision follows significant public outcry, with complaints of inflated electricity bills associated with the new smart meters. To address these issues, GUVNL is also implementing a dual meter system where conventional meters will run alongside smart meters for every consumer, providing a transparent comparison to ensure billing accuracy . This move is part of a broader effort to ensure that the transition to smart meter technology, which is crucial for enhancing energy efficiency and management, gains widespread acceptance among the public. The demonstrations in government buildings are intended to provide tangible proof of the meters' reliability and fairness in billing practices . Moreover, the issue of smart meters has escalated to the High Court, with residents of Vadodara filing a petition challenging their implementation, highlighting the need for careful handling of public concerns and the importance of transparent communication from authorities . GUVNL's approach reflects a commitment to addressing consumer concerns head-on, ensuring that the benefits of modern energy management technologies are understood and accepted by all stakeholders involved. This initiative not only aims to resolve immediate issues but also to foster long-term trust in the state's energy policies and infrastructure upgrades.

Next Story
Technology

We’re building robots that flow, not just move

Founded in 2021, Flo Mobility is reimagining construction automation with vision-AI robots designed for seamless movement through complex sites. In conversation with CW, Manesh Jain, Founder & CEO, discusses the company’s origin, its LiDAR-free tech stack, and expansion plans in the Middle East and US.What inspired the name Flo Mobility? Why ‘Flo’ and not ‘Flow’?When we started the company in 2021, our focus was on building autonomous navigation systems for robots. Since our work centred around robot movement, ‘mobility’ naturally became part of the name. We wanted to co..

Next Story
Real Estate

We’re committed to setting benchmarks in sustainable luxury living

From a landmark land acquisition in Boisar to ambitious launches across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), National Capital Region (NCR), Bengaluru and Pune, Birla Estates is driving future-ready growth with a strong focus on sustainability, partnerships and premium living, firmly anchored in its LifeDesigned® philosophy. K T Jithendran, Managing Director & CEO, outlines the company’s premium, sustainable growth playbook in conversation with PRATAP PADODE, Editor-in-Chief, CW. Excerpts:Birla Estates recently acquired a 70.92-acre land parcel in Boisar, Maharashtra, for..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Mumbai’s land crunch and ageing homes call for structured renewal

Founded in 2022, Etonhurst Capital Partners is a real-estate fund management platform focused on the Indian market. As the firm achieves the first close of Rs 1.8 billion for its debut Rs 5 billion fund, Bamasish Paul, Co-founder, Managing Partner & CEO, discusses its sharp focus on redevelopment-driven value creation in Mumbai’s urban core with CW. Excerpts:Etonhurst Capital has achieved a significant milestone with the first close of Rs 1.8 billion for its Rs 5 billion fund. What factors contributed to this early success and how do you plan to attract further investments to r..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?