Jammu Tawi, Aug 25: Amidst confusion and chaos over the Smart Meter and Toll Plaza controversies, the administration today came out with its versions on the issues. Stating that the government is keen to address public concerns on Smart Meters and Toll Plaza issues, Jammu Divisional Administration on Friday clarified that any discrepancies in bills due to past pending amounts are the reasons for occasional high bills.
“A dedicated grievance redressal cell has also been established, with an impressive 90 percent complaint resolution rate. Additionally, flexibility has been introduced in Smart Meter installation heights, making it possible to install them on the wall of consumers if suitable conditions are met”, Divisional Commissioner Ramesh Kumar here told reporters at a press conference.
He clarified and assured the public that the new system's bill cycle has been rectified.
Additional Director General of Police, Jammu Zone, Mukesh Singh and Managing Director JPDCL, Shivanant Tayal, Chief Engineer, JPDCL Jammu, Sandeep Seth were also present on the occasion.
Kumar reassured the public about the efficiency of Smart Meters, while listing the steps taken by the administration to dispel the doubts of consumers regarding the accuracy of power Consumption reading.
He shared positive updates on the twin significant issues and also shed light on the ongoing efforts of the Government to address concerns related to Smart Meter installations and the Toll Plaza.
The Divisional Commissioner said that these installations are not unique to Jammu and Kashmir but are being carried out across the nation. He explained that Smart Meters offer connectivity and are designed to empower end consumers by curbing power loss.
Kumar informed that a meeting with Civil society was held in which it was decided to install check meters (old digital meters in parallel to Smart meters) to verify the readings.
“The Meters have been installed in a warehouse area where it was found that readings are the same. The same practice would be replicated in other areas for the satisfaction of consumers” he added.
With over 80 percent of the installation work already completed in Jammu, the Div Com emphasized the progress made by Techno and Envil, the two certified companies responsible for the installations.
It was informed that a committee headed by Additional Deputy Commissioner Jammu consisting of Officials from Revenue Department, volunteers from Red Cross Society, Civil Society has also been constituted to receive grievances and redress the same at the earliest.
Responding to the issue of prepaid meters, the Div Com clarified that in phase 1st only Smart meters would be installed. Prepaid meters are not yet started.
“To facilitate a seamless and transparent installation process, the JPDCL officials will accompany the vendors at the time of meter installation to dispel doubts of consumers”, Div Com said.
The Divisional Commissioner elaborated on the Toll Plaza matter, revealing that Chief Secretary-led discussions with NHAI officials had resulted in swift actions.
The Divisional Commissioner expressed confidence that the upcoming NHAI team visit, accompanied by local officials, will assess the condition of the road, will provide valuable insights and solutions.
The ADGP also briefed about the concerns related to Toll Plaza.
He highlighted the proactive approach of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who engaged with the Government of India to address grievances. As a result of these efforts, a team from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is set to visit the affected areas within the next two days.
