Agartala: Former Tripura power minister and CPM veteran Manik Dey voiced concern over emerging issues with smart electricity meters, demanding immediate action from the state govt to address allegations of inflated energy bills.Dey said consumers face soaring bills and service problems without clear answers from Tripura State Electricity Corporation Ltd (TSECL). Clarifying that consumers do not oppose smart meters, he said readings remain unreliable. He noted that grid modernization began under Left Front govt, citing a pilot project endorsed by World Bank where 50,000 smart meters were installed without major complaints.Dey alleged current problems stem from faulty meters sourced from a preferred vendor under BJP govt. He claimed post-2018 national drives and increased private firm involvement created accountability issues over meter failures and arbitrary billing.Affirming that Left Front supports technological progress, Dey stressed it should not burden consumers financially. He demanded an impartial probe into smart meter complaints, transparent billing, and a clear grievance redressal mechanism.
