By Smart Meters Naka Committee, Goa
The Union Power Minister Shri Manohar Lal Khattar had in an answer to a Lok Sabha question on 02/04/2026 stated that Prepaid Smart Meters are voluntary and as per the choice of the consumer. This is in line with Section 47(5) of the Electricity Act 2003, which states that – if the person requiring the supply is prepared to take the supply through a pre-payment meter. But since all consumers already have an earlier post paid electronic meter that is functioning well, and they have not asked for a new Prepaid Smart Meter, there is no provision to force one on them.
But the Electricity Department of Goa claims that the installation of new Prepaid Smart Meters is Mandatory, and has issued a Public Notice in some newspapers to that effect. This is illegal, because it violates Section 47(5) of the Electricity Act 2003, and is against the Union Power Minister’s statement.
The Electricity Dept of Goa (EDG) states that most consumer meters in Goa are not under ‘own your meter’ scheme, so the old electricity meter is the property of the EDG, therefore they can replace the meter whenever they want, and with whichever new type of Smart Meter they want. But EDG is not taking cognisance of the fact that every consumer has the right to refuse any dangerous technology from being put in their premises, under the Consumer Protection Act 2019, and choose a safer alternative electronic meter that is approved. These western technology Smart Meters have been proven to cause brain damage and health issues to people, and brought down the population of our food pollinators, such as butterflies and bees and birds, causing lower food production in our farms, as well as caught fire and burnt down homes over the last 15 years in other countries. The documentary ‘Take Back Your Power 2017’ https://youtube.com/watch?v=8ZTiT9ZSg3Q details how citizens of USA took their Elect Dept to Court and proved that their Smart Meters caused health issues, lower food pollinator population and burnt down houses, and they won the case and Smart Meters were removed.
Since these are New Western Technology devices being put in consumers’ homes, why have public consultations not happened with regards to the Pros and Cons of the system before the launch of the Smart Meters? The entire Smart Meters installation drive must be halted till this happens.