Centre Clarifies: Smart Meters Are Optional, Not Mandatory

Amid growing protests across the country against prepaid smart electricity meters, the Union government has stepped in to reassure consumers. Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar told the Lok Sabha that the installation of prepaid smart meters is not compulsory and will remain a matter of consumer choice.

Khattar explained that the prepaid system works much like mobile recharges, allowing households to pay in advance and monitor usage more closely. Consumers who opt in will need to deposit a security amount, which can be refunded if they later decide to return to the traditional billing system.

The minister stressed that no one is being forced to adopt smart meters. “Consumers are free to choose whether they want a prepaid meter or continue with the existing billing system,” he said, adding that any complaints of coercion would be investigated.

The clarification comes at a time when states like Himachal Pradesh have witnessed strong resistance to smart meters, with residents alleging inflated bills, technical glitches, and lack of transparency. Viral reports of unusually high charges have fueled public anger, leading to demonstrations and demands for audits.

Opposition leaders have also weighed in, accusing the government of burdening citizens already struggling with rising costs. Experts, however, note that smart meters can help reduce power theft and improve efficiency — but only if implemented transparently and backed by public trust.

While the Centre maintains that states using prepaid smart meters have seen financial improvements, the debate highlights a deeper challenge: balancing technological upgrades with consumer confidence. For now, the choice remains firmly in the hands of the people.