Team Goemkarponn
Panaji: The Goa Human Rights Commission (GHRC) has taken suo motu cognisance of the State government’s smart electricity meter rollout following concerns over the alleged mandatory installation of smart prepaid meters across Goa.
The Commission acted on a media report published in O Heraldo and has issued a notice to the Chief Electrical Engineer seeking a response in the matter by June 2.
Consumer groups and activists have raised objections to the implementation process, claiming that smart prepaid meters are being imposed on consumers despite clarifications from the Centre that such installations are optional.
Citizens for Democracy convenor Elvis Gomes and other activists have argued that consumers cannot be compelled to switch to smart prepaid meters against their will.
Activists have also alleged that the rollout is being carried out through a coercive approach involving private contractor Digi Smart.
The issue has triggered public debate in several parts of the State, with concerns being raised over consumer rights, transparency and the long-term implications of prepaid electricity systems.
The GHRC’s intervention is expected to bring further scrutiny to the implementation process and the manner in which smart meter installations are being carried out in Goa.
