+
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
Infrastructure Urban

India to Invest Rs 600 Billion to Upgrade 1,000 ITIs

As part of its drive to modernise vocational training, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), in collaboration with Gujarat’s Labour and Employment Department, held a State-Level Workshop at the NAMTECH Campus within IIT-Gandhinagar to discuss the National Scheme for ITI Upgradation.The consultation brought together key stakeholders from industry and the training ecosystem to align expectations and support implementation of the scheme, which aims to transform 1,000 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) across India using a hub-and-spoke model. The total outlay stands ..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

India Unveils Rs 600 Billion Maritime Finance Push

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) hosted the Maritime Financing Summit 2025 in New Delhi, bringing together over 250 stakeholders including policymakers, industry leaders, global investors, and financial institutions. The summit, held under the ambit of Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision (MAKV) 2047, focused on transforming India into a leading maritime power with strengthened financial, infrastructural, and technological capabilities.Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal emphasised India's strategic progress, noting that average port turnaround times have dropped from four days to u..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Govt Allocates Rs 500 Million To Boost Community Radio

The Central Government, through its ‘Supporting Community Radio Movement in India’ scheme, has allocated Rs 500 million to strengthen the community radio ecosystem across the country. The initiative aims to assist both newly established and long-operational Community Radio Stations (CRSs), ensuring their relevance to local educational, social, cultural, and developmental needs.According to the policy published by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, CRSs may be set up by not-for-profit organisations with at least three years of demonstrated community service. These stations are ex..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?