Srinagar, Oct 20: Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference president Sajjad Lone has criticised the ongoing smart metering process in Jammu and Kashmir, alleging that poorer households are being forced to bear additional costs for electricity connections.
In a post on X, Sajad Lone claimed that the company installing smart meters provides only up to four metres of cable per household—two metres for input and two metres for output. He alleged that households requiring additional cable are being asked to pay for the extra length.
Lone said the cost of additional cable has resulted in some poor households paying between ₹4,000 and ₹5,000 for smart meter installation, particularly where houses are located farther from electricity poles.
He also criticised the government over its electoral promise of providing 200 units of free electricity, claiming that two years have passed without consumers receiving the promised benefit.
“Smart metering was subjected to derision and sarcasm and anger by CM sahib, during the election campaign,” Lone said, referring to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
Taking a swipe at the government, Lone said people who had voted for the government were now being asked to pay for smart meter installation.
“That actually is a great joke. And the joke is yet again, on those who voted for CM sahib,” he said.
