MPs, MLAs use conventional meters, even as Gujarat fails to achieve target of 1.67 cr smart meters

The installation of smart electricity meters in Gujarat has made limited progress, with consumer concerns over higher power bills continuing to hamper the state government’s flagship programme, official figures show.

Despite repeated assurances by the authorities that smart meters are beneficial and improve billing transparency, the initiative has failed to gain widespread acceptance. Critics have also pointed out that while consumers are being encouraged to adopt smart meters, many MLAs’ and MPs’ residences continue to have conventional electricity meters.

Data presented in the Lok Sabha indicate that Gujarat had set a target of installing 16,787,587 smart electricity meters. However, only 3,171,340 meters have been installed so far, leaving the state energy department well short of its goal.

The decision to introduce smart meters in Gujarat was taken in 2017, when power distribution companies agreed to prioritise consumers with monthly electricity consumption of over 500 units. The plan, however, could not be implemented as envisaged.

Officials said consumers remain reluctant to switch to smart meters due to fears of higher electricity bills. While the energy department has conducted awareness campaigns and outreach programmes to address these concerns, confusion and scepticism persist.

The department had also attempted to install smart meters at the residences of ministers, MLAs, MPs and other leaders to build public confidence, but these efforts have failed to make a significant impact.

Despite offering incentives and special schemes to promote adoption, the state has been unable to win the trust of electricity consumers. As a result, the target of installing over 16 million smart meters has remained largely unmet.

Officials acknowledged that Gujarat lags behind several other states in the installation of smart electricity meters.