Karnataka electrical contractors’ association stages protest over high cost of smart meters

Bengaluru: The Karnataka State Licensed Electrical Contractors Association (R) staged a protest on Tuesday against the high cost of smart energy meters.

Demanding that the government reduce the price of smart energy meters — which they claim has increased from Rs 950 to Rs 5,000 — the association members said the protest would continue indefinitely.

The association also urged the government to award tenders to local contractors, particularly those working in rural areas.

C Ramesh, president of the association, alleged that the government has been awarding tenders to a select few contractors, despite the presence of others capable of handling such projects.

He stated that withholding tenders from local contractors not only creates difficulties for rural consumers, but also impacts the livelihood of contractors and their families.

He further added that the price of three-phase meters has also surged from Rs 2,000 to Rs 8,000. "Only a few wealthy contractors are securing all the contracts. A nationwide tender was called earlier, but only two contractors were awarded the projects,” he said.