Nagaland Power Department orders inquiry into corruption charges in smart meter installation

DIMAPUR — The Department of Power (Distribution and Revenue), Nagaland, has constituted a divisional-level inquiry committee to investigate allegations of corruption in the installation of smart electricity meters, following recent media reports.

According to a press release, the committee is expected to submit its findings and report by November 10.

Further, the department has clarified several points concerning the installation of smart meters under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) and the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) Scheme.

The department stated that the installation or replacement of existing conventional meters with smart meters is free of charge under the RDSS.

Initially, the smart meters will function in a post-paid mode, and no initial recharge will be required. Once the smart metering system stabilises, it will be shifted to a prepaid mode, and consumers will be informed in advance through SMS, email, or print media.

Consumers have been requested to update their contact details, such as mobile numbers and email addresses, as printed electricity bills will no longer be issued due to the digital transition to a paperless billing system.

The department further clarified that the installation or replacement of existing meters with smart prepaid meters under the SASCI Scheme is also free of charge. However, consumers will need to pay an initial recharge amount of up to INR 500 for activation and usage, as these meters will operate in prepaid mode from installation.

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Applications for new service connections or for additional meters (sub-meters) and load changes must be submitted along with a wiring completion and test report or certificate issued by an authorised licensed electrical contractor under the Department of Power, Nagaland (DoPN).

The test report/certificate is mandatory for the issuance of a smart meter for free installation.

It was highlighted that only registered electrical contractors under DoPN who have completed the internal wiring of a building are authorised to issue such reports or certificates, which are provided at no charge. Consumers have been advised to engage licensed electrical contractors to ensure compliance with safety standards and quality work.

The department cautioned against the practice of employing unauthorised electricians for internal wiring and obtaining test certificates through licensed contractors who did not perform the work. Such practices are illegal and may encourage corruption and compromise safety. It was also noted that the rates fixed by the Nagaland Electrical Contractor’s Association for test reports or certificates are not legal and could result in the disqualification of contractors involved.

In the case of multi-storey buildings used for rental purposes, where tenants share one or more electricity bills registered in the owner’s name, separate smart meters may be installed as required. Applications for such installations must include a test certificate from the registered electrical contractor responsible for the modified LT circuit wiring.

The division or sub-division office will examine the submitted applications for completeness before issuing the smart meters for free installation.

However, consumers will be responsible for providing or bearing the costs of service wires, cables, cut-outs, MCBs, and other necessary materials conforming to IS/BIS specifications.

The department assured the public that any officers or staff found guilty of corrupt practices related to smart meter installations would face appropriate disciplinary actions from both the department and the government.

It also appealed to all parties to verify information and obtain official clarification from the department before publishing reports to avoid the spread of misinformation or bias that could mislead the public.