Complaint Against BEST for Coercive Smart Meter Installations

Topic: Consumer Complaint Against BEST Undertaking for Illegally Installing Smart Meters Using Police Threats

Senior citizen Kamlakar Shenoy submitted a complaint against BEST Undertaking and MERC for trying to forcefully install smart meters without providing clear answers to consumers.

He stated that notices were issued to housing societies instead of individual consumers, with threats of police action, which is illegal and violates consumer rights.

He also raised questions about the high meter cost (₹16,000 vs ₹4,000), lack of official approval, misleading “free” claims, and absence of any public consultation or safety studies.

Shenoy argued that using Section 163 of the Electricity Act does not justify forceful action or trespassing. Instead, every consumer has the right to be informed, heard, and respected.

He demanded an FIR against BEST officials, a stop to all forced smart meter installations, and that consumer meetings be held under public video recording to ensure transparency and accountability.