Smart Meters in Tripura: A Boon or a Burden?

Electricity is often described as the backbone of development—a claim frequently echoed by policymakers. In line with this vision, the Tripura Power Department has embarked on a journey of modernization. From constructing new substations to upgrading transmission lines, the latest addition to this initiative is the widespread rollout of smart meters across the state.

The government touts these meters as a symbol of technological advancement, transparency, and a customer-friendly move. But as the rollout gains pace, a growing chorus of voices is questioning whether smart meters are truly benefiting the public—or becoming a new source of hardship.

From Cities to Villages: Growing Discontent

The state’s transition to smart meters, particularly prepaid ones, has not been without friction. While officials promise improved service and accuracy, many consumers—from urban neighborhoods to rural hamlets—are expressing dissatisfaction.

One of the major shifts is the move from postpaid to prepaid billing. In the earlier system, users paid a fixed monthly bill. Now, with smart meters, consumers must recharge regularly, and a lapse in balance results in sudden power cuts. For many families, especially in lower-income brackets, this has led to unexpected blackouts and added stress.

Rising Costs and Hidden Charges

Consumers have also raised concerns about higher electricity costs under the new system. Apart from the usual per-unit charge, additional fees—like service charges, taxes, and other hidden costs—are now being deducted. These extra expenses are proving burdensome for economically weaker households, already struggling with inflation and limited income.

Technical Glitches in Rural Areas

Field workers within the power department have also reported that smart meters are highly sensitive to voltage fluctuations. In many rural parts of Tripura, where the power supply remains inconsistent, the meters often malfunction or display incorrect readings. Such technical glitches further alienate residents who are already skeptical about digital transitions.

Smart or Stressful?

A prepaid smart meter installed in Tripura—promoted as a symbol of modernization, but for many low-income households, it represents rising bills, sudden disconnections, and growing concerns over transparency and privacy.

Privacy Concerns and Data Monitoring

Experts have raised a different set of alarms: data privacy. Smart meters don’t just measure electricity usage—they also track patterns such as when lights are turned on or off, indirectly mapping daily routines. This level of monitoring has raised questions about how securely this data is stored, and who has access to it. In an era of growing digital surveillance, many fear this could be a step too far.

Convenience for Some, Chaos for Others

While urban, tech-savvy residents may find the prepaid system convenient, daily wage earners and families living hand-to-mouth view it as an additional worry. For them, electricity—once a stable, post-paid utility—has now turned into a pay-as-you-go product. Critics argue that this undermines the idea of electricity as a basic right, reducing it instead to a market commodity.

Government’s Stand vs. Ground Reality

Tripura’s Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath insists that:

“Smart meters represent modern technology. They will benefit everyone.”

But on the ground, many users tell a different story—of confusion, financial strain, and power cuts. The public is left wondering: Is this project truly about transparency and efficiency, or just a means to boost revenue for power companies?

Minister Ratan Lal Nath

A Question of Inclusive Development

The modernization of infrastructure is essential—but if it ends up excluding or burdening the very people it aims to serve, is it truly development? Electricity should be accessible to all, not just those who can afford to recharge it like a mobile phone.

The question remains for the government and utility companies:

Are smart meters genuinely smart—or are they becoming a new nightmare for the common citizen?