Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The ongoing debate surrounding the installation of prepaid smart electricity meters in Goa has reached the Goa Human Rights Commission (GHRC), with concerns being raised over transparency, consumer rights and data security.
Social activist Darryl D’Souza has submitted a memorandum to the Commission, highlighting what he described as unresolved questions surrounding the smart meter project. He alleged that responses received through applications filed under the Right to Information (RTI) Act did not adequately address several concerns raised by consumers.
Among the issues flagged by D’Souza were questions related to the technological security of the system. He expressed apprehension over the possibility of cyber vulnerabilities and sought assurances regarding the protection of consumer data and uninterrupted service.
The GHRC had earlier taken suo motu cognisance of the issue following objections raised by various citizen groups and residents over the mandatory implementation of smart meters across the state.
Responding to the Commission’s proceedings, the Electricity Department stated that the smart meter programme is part of a policy framework being implemented nationwide under directives of the Central Government. Department officials said they are prepared to place their position before the Commission and provide all necessary information sought during the proceedings.
Executive Engineer Kashinath Shetye said the department’s primary focus remains the implementation of the project in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements. He added that the department does not intend to be drawn into political controversies surrounding the issue.
According to Shetye, Goa currently has around 7.5 lakh electricity consumers and only a handful of individuals have sought to intervene in the ongoing proceedings. He said the department has formally opposed those intervention applications.
Defending the technology, Shetye noted that smart meters are designed to offer consumers greater access to information regarding their electricity usage. Through a dedicated mobile application, users can monitor consumption patterns, voltage levels and billing details in real time.
He further stated that the department has not received any significant complaints regarding the functioning of smart meters in Goa and remains committed to addressing public concerns as the rollout progresses.
The matter is scheduled to come up for further hearing before the Goa Human Rights Commission on June 26.
