Now it's your choice: The mandatory requirement for prepaid smart meters has been abolished, bringing relief to millions of DVVNL consumers.

News Topical, Digital Desk : There's good news for Dakshinanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited (DVVNL) consumers. Smart meters will be installed, but the consumer will decide whether they will be prepaid or postpaid.

The system will not be imposed on them. The central government has taken this decision following protests against smart meters. Consumers have breathed a sigh of relief. 

For smart prepaid meters, consumer consent will be required.

DVVNL has approximately five lakh consumers in the district. Smart meters have been installed for more than one and a half lakh consumers, and they have been converted to prepaid meters. Consumers are protesting this. They have alleged that power supply has not been restored even two days after the recharge.

Consumers do not want prepaid meters, even after recharging, they do not get electricity at the prescribed rate.

Murarilal of KK Nagar said that even after recharging, electricity is not available on time. He added that it is not necessary to have money in your pocket all the time. Postpaid is better. Sachin of PP Nagar said that he was switched from postpaid to prepaid without any prior information.

Consumers are not ready to install smart meters.

Given the problems with smart prepaid meters, consumers are now reluctant to have them installed. Opposition has begun. A recent decision has been made that smart meters will be installed, but the decision on whether they will be postpaid or prepaid will be up to the consumer. Installing a smart meter without the consumer's consent will not be possible. DVVNL Chief Engineer Kapil Sindhwani says that work will be done as per the rules.

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