Srinagar, Oct 21 : Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) on Wednesday clarified that consumers are not required to purchase additional cables as a mandatory condition for smart meter installation, maintaining that the project provides necessary installation cables, including additional lengths wherever technically required.
The clarification followed Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference (JKPC) president and Handwara MLA Sajad Lone’s allegation that consumers were being forced to pay between ?4,000 and ?5,000 for additional cables to get smart meters installed, imposing an extra financial burden on poorer households.
In a statement, KPDCL said existing service lines remain the responsibility of consumers under applicable electricity regulations, but replacement or upgradation of service cables is optional and cannot be made a condition for installing smart meters.
“No consumer should be compelled to purchase cables or incur unnecessary expenses for smart meter installation,” KPDCL said, reiterating its commitment to transparent, hassle-free and consumer-friendly implementation of the smart metering programme.
The corporation urged consumers to report any instance of being compelled to purchase cables or incur unnecessary expenses to the concerned authorities for appropriate action.(KNS)
