Hyderabad: Telangana Rashtra Samithi president Kalvakuntla Kavitha on Monday opposed the proposed phased installation of Telangana smart meters for electricity connections and alleged that the move could threaten subsidies for poor households.
In a video released on X, Kavitha accused the Revanth Reddy government of trying to build public support for smart meters. She alleged that recent statements by senior Power department officials formed part of that effort.
Kavitha also referred to a recent exhibition at Necklace Road that highlighted the use and benefits of smart meters. She described these efforts as an attempt to “brainwash” people into accepting the new system.
The government, she alleged, had repeatedly demonstrated that it favoured powerful interests over poor people.
Telangana smart meters face subsidy allegation
Kavitha alleged that the government planned to install Telangana smart meters in collaboration with corporate interests. She claimed that the move formed part of an eventual attempt to withdraw electricity subsidies available to poor consumers.
However, she did not provide evidence in the statement to establish that smart meter installation would result in subsidy withdrawal. Kavitha also accused the state government of supporting policies promoted by the Centre without adequately questioning them.
She argued that Telangana already used advanced electricity meters and questioned the need for another system. According to her, meter reading no longer required officials to manually record consumption using pen and paper.
Therefore, she questioned the justification for replacing existing meters. Kavitha also linked the proposed Telangana smart meters rollout to policies pursued by the Central government.
She referred to the farm laws and alleged that the Centre had earlier sought smart meters for farmers. Kavitha further alleged that the latest initiative involved smart meters linked to the Adani company.
She accused the state government of supporting the Centre’s proposed system and agreeing to implement it in Telangana. The TRS leader alleged that the government was backing corporate interests by pursuing the installation programme.
She said her party strongly opposed the decision to install smart meters for domestic electricity connections.
Kavitha cites opposition in Uttar Pradesh
Kavitha also referred to the implementation of similar smart meters in Uttar Pradesh. She claimed that people there had strongly opposed their installation. The TRS leader said Telangana should consider those concerns before proceeding with the proposed rollout.
She maintained that the government should protect electricity benefits available to poor households. Kavitha said her opposition centred on the potential impact of the new metering system on consumers and subsidies.
She also questioned the government’s public campaign explaining the technology and its benefits. According to Kavitha, the administration should explain why it considered a new metering system necessary.
She reiterated her opposition to Telangana smart meters for household electricity connections. Kavitha maintained that the government should not implement the system if it affected subsidies or increased the burden on poorer consumers.
She also accused the Revanth Reddy government of aligning with the Centre and corporate interests on the issue.