State Bureau, Lucknow. State Electricity Consumer Council Chairman Awadhesh Kumar Verma has demanded a reduction of Rs 900 in the rate of new electricity connections being given by installing smart prepaid meters purchased under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS).
It is said that the Central Government is giving a subsidy of Rs 900 per meter on smart prepaid meters purchased from RDSS, the benefit of which should be passed on to the consumers. He has said that this grant amount should be used to reduce the price of smart prepaid meters fixed by the Regulatory Commission by Rs 2800 and Rs 4100 per meter by Rs 900. By reducing the per meter rate, it will become easier for poor consumers to get electricity connections.
As per the instructions of the Government of India, the smart meters installed under the RDSS scheme were to be installed free of cost on the consumers' connections. This scheme was earlier till 31 March 2026, which has been extended to 31 March 2028.
Power Corporation and electricity distribution companies should reduce the rate of RDSS smart prepaid meters being installed on new connections by Rs 900.