Dhenkanal: Energy department officials on Friday denied allegations of smart meter installation in Dhenkanal’s Kunjakanta area, even as objections by local residents to an ongoing electricity maintenance drive led to brief tension and damage to meters.
According to reports, tension erupted in the locality when a section of residents objected to the ongoing work, alleging that smart meters were being installed in their area. The situation escalated as residents gathered at the spot, confronted electricity department staff, including a junior engineer, and allegedly damaged meters during the protest.
Officials, however, clarified that no smart meter installation was being carried out and that the work was part of routine maintenance and network improvement activities aimed at strengthening the power distribution system.
Superintending Engineer Kamal Lochan Baral said a distribution box was being installed and network sanitisation work was underway to reduce power interruptions and improve supply reliability.
“There is no smart meter installation in this drive. We are only carrying out maintenance work to reduce interruptions and improve power supply reliability,” Baral said.
Despite the clarification, residents alleged that electricity connections were being altered or replaced without prior intimation. They claimed that even though they were paying electricity bills regularly and the existing meters were functioning properly, officials were removing meters without informing consumers.
One resident alleged that the existing meter, which was in good condition and had no issues, was removed without proper communication. The resident further claimed that officials insisted on replacement, which led to confusion and anger among locals, prompting them to gather and oppose the activity.
Responding to the allegations, the Superintending Engineer said the matter would be investigated and appropriate action would be taken if any irregularities were found. He reiterated that the ongoing work was strictly related to maintenance and network improvement, and not linked to smart meter installation.
Following discussions and intervention by local authorities, the situation was eventually brought under control.
