Shimla | February 3
A fresh political controversy has erupted in Himachal Pradesh over the rollout of prepaid smart electricity meters, with former mayor Sanjay Chauhan accusing both the Centre and the state government of paving the way for privatization in the power sector.
Reacting to recent reports about the implementation of prepaid smart meters, Chauhan alleged that under pressure from the BJP-led Central government, the Congress-led state government has begun preparations to hand over the electricity sector to private companies. He claimed that converting smart meters to prepaid mode and phasing out power subsidies is part of a broader policy shift aligned with conditions imposed by the Centre.
Chauhan said that due to the prevailing financial crisis, the state government is accelerating the installation of prepaid smart meters across Himachal Pradesh in accordance with the Centre’s guidelines. He alleged that subsidies are being gradually withdrawn and warned that the existing benefit of 125 free electricity units may be discontinued. He further claimed that electricity tariffs could rise to ₹6.50 per unit — nearly double the current rate.
Calling the move “anti-people” and “pro-corporate,” the former mayor urged citizens to oppose the installation of prepaid smart meters and the proposed Electricity Amendment Bill, 2025. He appealed to workers, farmers, and civil society groups to participate in the nationwide strike scheduled for February 12 against what he described as neo-liberal policies of the BJP-led Central government.
The state government, however, has maintained that the smart meter initiative is aimed at improving efficiency, transparency, and real-time monitoring of electricity consumption.
The issue is likely to intensify political debate in the coming days as the implementation process gathers pace across the state.
