KPDCL firm on installing smart meters despite consumer protests

SRINAGAR — Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) on Thursday said that there was no alternative to the installation of smart electricity meters and that the meters will be installed across Kashmir.

The statement comes amid protests by consumers against the installation of smart meters in their respective areas.

While talking to the news agency KNO, Chief Engineer, KPDCL, Javed Yousuf Dar, said that the ongoing project of smart meters installation in Srinagar and other parts of Kashmir will not be in vain. “Smart meters have to be installed today, as well as in the future,” he said.

“As you have witnessed, protests have occurred in the past, but nothing significant resulted from them, and ultimately, the smart meters were installed,” he said.

When discussing the features of smart meters, he mentioned that “there is no difference between smart meters and regular meters, except for one additional feature: providing consumers with automatic readings on their mobile phones or other smart devices,” he added.

While addressing concerns about flat rates in the downtown area, he clarified, “There is no such thing, and just like in other places, smart meters will also be installed in Downtown as well as throughout Kashmir.”