BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 19th June 2025 : The Tripura Electricity Consumers Association has intensified its opposition to the installation of smart meters with Time of Day (TOD) tariffs, launching a mass signature campaign in the Battala area here today. The move aims to mobilize public support ahead of submitting a detailed memorandum to the Union Power Minister through the Governor Indra Sena Reddy Nallu.
Among the association’s key demands are the immediate halt to power sector privatization and the withdrawal of the Electricity (Amendment) Bill. They have also called for scrapping the TOD-based smart meter installation initiative, arguing that it would disproportionately burden consumers.
The association further urged the government to provide 200 units of free electricity per month to households and extend similar relief to the agriculture sector. It also demanded the removal of several electricity-related charges including the minimum charge, fixed charge, power purchase adjustment charge, pension charge, duty charge, and service charge.
Highlighting issues of infrastructure and supply reliability, the association demanded urgent renovation of outdated transmission lines, an end to low voltage and load shedding, and adequate maintenance of power supply systems. They also pressed for a 60% subsidy under the “PM-SGMBY” scheme for installing off-grid solar plants.
Other demands included the regularization of meter readers and linemen by ending outsourcing practices and making permanent appointments in the electricity department.
The association plans to submit the memorandum to the Union Power Minister following the collection of public signatures to reinforce the urgency of their demands.
