Srinagar, Oct 20: Peoples Conference president and MLA Handwara Sajad Gani Lone on Tuesday criticised the Jammu and Kashmir government over alleged charges being imposed on households for additional cable required during smart meter installation, accusing the government of burdening consumers, particularly those from economically weaker sections.
In a statement, shared on X, Lone claimed that the company installing smart meters was providing only four metres of cable per household, comprising two metres for input and two metres for output connections.
He alleged that households requiring additional cable were being asked to pay for it, with consumers in some cases having to spend between Rs 4,000 and Rs 5,000 to get smart meters installed.
Lone said the cost could be higher for households located farther from electricity poles, as they would require longer cables.
He questioned the arrangement, alleging that poorer households were being forced to bear additional expenses to secure electricity connections and warning that consumers could face disconnection if the required installation was not completed.
Targeting Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Lone also referred to the National Conference’s promise of providing 200 units of free electricity to eligible households, alleging that the commitment had not been fulfilled despite two years having passed.
He recalled the criticism of smart metering during the election campaign, saying consumers were now facing additional expenses associated with the installation process.
“Those who queued up to vote have to pay to get the smart meter installed,” Lone said, according to the statement.
