Bhubaneswar: A local group called Odisha Bidyut Upabhokta Mahasangha staged a protest against Tata Power’s (TPCODL) policy on Friday at Lower PMG in Bhubaneswar. As a sign of protest, the agitators tried to gherao the Legislative Assembly.
A possible increase in electricity rates, which the association believes to be exploitative of customers, is the source of this protest. “We will intensify our movement if exploitation of electricity consumers is not stopped,” said an official for the group.
The agitation held under the banner of Odisha Electricity Consumers’ Association also asked the BJP government to fulfil its election promise by providing free electricity of 300 units per month to consumers.
The association also demanded free power for farmers, to stop privatisation of electricity and provide electricity bills in Odia language.
The group urged that the State government revoke its proposal to install pre-paid smart meters. We vehemently disagree with the current plans to increase power rates, install smart meters, and require that the agricultural sector receive free electricity. Prior to the 2024 General Elections, the BJP-led government had promised to give everyone at least 300 units of free power. One protester stated, “The government should fulfill it soon.”
There, political organizations such as the Congress, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) yelled chants against the power utility’s purported monopoly practices. They claimed that an irrational tariff increase is detrimental to consumers’ interests.
Consumers of electricity are currently being taken advantage of. In its manifesto, the double-engine (BJP) administration pledged to give farmers and the general public free power. Where have these promises disappeared to? Sulochana Das, the BMC Mayor and head of the BJD, asked.
In response to an OERC (Odisha Electricity Regulatory Commission) recommendation, the government is prepared to raise the power tariff. Odisha is a state with excess electricity. Unreported power outages are occurring even though there is excess electricity. The goal of bringing Tata Power to the state was to provide residents with better services and a more reliable power supply at a more affordable price. However, presently things are quite the contrary,” Sulochana Das of BJD said.
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