Dimapur: Fact-finding panel recommends voluntary smart prepaid electricity metres for households

Published on Jun 3, 2025

DIMAPUR — A Fact-Finding Committee led by Convenor Dr. Kahuka Sema on Tuesday submitted its report to the Deputy Commissioner of Dimapur, recommending that the installation of smart prepaid electricity metres should not be mandatory for domestic consumers.
Dr. Kahuka Sema (second from right) along with committee members during a press conference at Duncan Bosti Council Hall, Dimapur, on Tuesday. (EM Images)
Formed in response to strong public opposition to the state government’s directive on mandatory smart metre installation in Dimapur’s urban areas, the committee instead suggested a phased rollout in government offices, institutions, industries, and commercial establishments as the first step.
The committee’s report was presented following a two-week review focused on three key objectives: understanding the rationale behind the government’s push for mandatory smart metres, examining reasons for public resistance, and exploring alternative solutions.
At a press conference held at Duncan Bosti Council Hall in Dimapur, Dr. Sema explained that nationwide, power departments have been incurring losses due to outdated infrastructure and electricity misuse. In response, the Government of India introduced the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), aimed at improving infrastructure and reducing aggregate technical and commercial (AT&C) losses.

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Dr. Sema noted that the RDSS has two major components—upgrading power infrastructure and installing smart metres—and emphasised that implementing only one aspect would not be effective. The committee’s report stated that Nagaland records the highest AT&C losses in India, with electricity theft contributing an estimated 30–40% of total losses.
Based on its findings, the committee made three major recommendations, which include installation of smart prepaid metres in government departments, institutions, industries, and commercial establishments to demonstrate the system’s benefits before rolling it out to households.
It also recommended the improvement of supporting infrastructure—such as poles, cables, and transformers—concurrently with metre installation to foster public trust and system efficiency.
Stating that there is widespread confusion about the smart prepaid metre system, the committee stressed the need for the Power department to sensitise and educate the public.

Further, instead of making it mandatory, domestic consumers should be allowed the choice to retain their existing metres or opt for the smart prepaid version.
Committee member Wojamo Yanthan also stated that the team is willing to cooperate with the government to address power theft and urged citizens to report any such incidents to local authorities.
The submitted representation reiterated the committee’s position that mandatory installation for households is unadvisable and urged the department to focus on institutional and commercial sectors while improving infrastructure.
The Deputy Commissioner of Dimapur acknowledged receipt of the report and assured that the recommendations would be forwarded to the appropriate authorities for further action.