Uttarakhand Halts New Smart Meter Connections; Review Panel To Assess Complaints

Uttarakhand Power Corporation Limited has halted the installation of smart meters across the state with immediate effect. This halt will remain in effect until further notice. 

According to UPCL, the reason for this halt is the 20,000 damaged meters that were being overlooked while smart meters were being provided to consumers for new connections. Meanwhile, in cases where meters had burnt out or become faulty, consumers had been waiting for months for new smart meters. 

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After several warnings and with no improvement in the system, UPCL has halted the installation of new smart meters for all new connections and as replacements for old meters. UPCL stated in its order that the installation of smart meters will remain completely suspended for the time being. 

A letter issued by the Chief Engineer (Operations) stated that all agencies installing smart meters are not to install any new smart meters until further notice. A further decision will be taken only after a review of all complaints and issues related to smart metering. 

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The installation of smart meters has been halted in all electricity distribution divisions of the state, including Dehradun, Haridwar, Udham Singh Nagar, and Nainital. MR Arya, UPCL's Director of Operations, stated that new meters will only be installed after all complaints have been fully resolved.