Amit Patkar Demands Consumer Choice on Smart Meters, Warns of People’s Agitation Against Forced Installations

16 October 2027: Former Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) President Amit Patkar today strongly opposed the forced installation of smart electricity meters in Goa, asserting that the BJP-led Goa Government must prioritise consumer welfare, uninterrupted power supply and the genuine concerns of electricity consumers over technological experimentation.

Patkar said the Government must respect the concerns and sentiments of Goans and ensure that consumers retain the freedom to continue with the existing postpaid billing system. He cautioned against using the latest order of the Goa Human Rights Commission as an opportunity to push ahead with smart meter installations without adequately addressing public apprehensions.

“Goans need uninterrupted power supply, not unwanted smart meters. Technology should make the lives of ordinary citizens easier, not expose them to financial uncertainty, inconvenience or harassment. Any technological intervention in the power sector must be guided by public interest, transparency and consumer welfare,” Patkar said.

He questioned the BJP Government’s insistence on proceeding with smart meter installations despite concerns raised by electricity consumers. He stressed that technological advancement cannot come at the cost of consumer choice and that the Government must first address the apprehensions surrounding billing practices and the proposed implementation of the project.

Patkar further stated that electricity is an essential service, and consumers have every right to expect reliable power supply, transparent billing and a system that does not impose unnecessary financial burdens or inconvenience on households and businesses.

“The BJP Government must listen to the people instead of treating their concerns as an obstacle to its decisions. The Goa Human Rights Commission’s order must not be used as a pretext to disregard public sentiment or force a system that consumers do not want. The Government must come forward with clear answers and respect the legitimate concerns of electricity consumers,” he said.

Issuing a strong warning to the Government, Patkar declared that if it proceeds with forced smart meter installations against the wishes of Goans, the people will be left with no option but to launch a PEOPLE’S AGITATION to defend their rights and fight for justice.

“If the Government chooses to ignore the voice of the people and continues with forced installations, we will be compelled to take this fight to the streets through a people’s agitation. We will stand with the electricity consumers of Goa and fight for their rights, dignity and justice. The Government must not mistake the patience of Goans for their acceptance of a decision imposed against their wishes,” Patkar asserted.

Patkar urged the Goa Government to reconsider its approach, engage with electricity consumers and ensure that no one is compelled to accept a billing system against their legitimate concerns. He reiterated that public interest must remain paramount and that the Government must be accountable to the people it is elected to serve.