Archive · 11 Jun 2025
Bengal Allows Smart Meter Opt-Out Amid Protests Over Bills
The West Bengal government is letting people with smart meters switch back to the old kind after complaints about high bills.
They stopped putting in new smart meters for homes but will still use them for businesses and government buildings.
This change happened because people protested, saying their electricity bills went up a lot after the new meters were installed.
West Bengal allows residential consumers to opt out of smart meters.
Installation for residential consumers is temporarily suspended.
Consumers can switch back to traditional meters.
Smart meter installation continues for commercial and government entities.
Decision follows protests over alleged inflated bills.
- Who
- West Bengal government
- What
- West Bengal allows residential consumers to opt out of smart meters and revert to traditional devices.
- When
- Announced on Tuesday, June 11.
- Where
- West Bengal, India
- Why
- Due to protests over alleged inflated electricity bills following the installation of prepaid smart meters.
Protesting Consumers/Opposition
West Bengal Government
Meter Functionality
Protesting Consumers/Opposition
Consumers and opposition alleged inflated bills after smart meter installation.
West Bengal Government
The government is allowing consumers to opt-out of the smart meter system.
Billing Concerns
Protesting Consumers/Opposition
Protests occurred due to perceived tariff hikes.
West Bengal Government
The government is now allowing consumers to revert to traditional meters.
- Event
- Smart meter opt-out allowed
- Affected
- Residential consumers
- Action
- Consumers can switch to traditional meters
- Suspension
- Temporary halt on residential installations
- Continues for
- Commercial and government establishments
Sources
Smart meters will be treated as normal ones, consumers to pay bills every 3 months: Bengal govt
Consumers of smart meters to pay bills every three months, installed gadgets to be treated as normal ones: State government