Questions mount over MSPDCL’s push to replace existing prepaid meters amid rising consumer complaints

Amid mounting public resentment over the replacement of existing prepaid electricity meters with Smart Prepaid Meters, serious concerns and suspicions are emerging over the motive behind the aggressive implementation drive undertaken by Manipur State Power Distribution Company Limited (MSPDCL).
While the power utility continues to project the move as a technological upgrade under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), many consumers remain unconvinced and are openly questioning why there is such urgency to replace prepaid meters that were reportedly functioning without major complaints. Consumers have pointed out that earlier systems, including Secure and Genius prepaid meters, did not trigger widespread allegations of abnormal billing, unexplained balance depletion, or sudden consumption spikes.
The growing dissatisfaction has led many consumers to suspect that there may be something “fishy” behind the sudden rush for large-scale replacement of existing meters, particularly at a time when complaints regarding Smart Prepaid Meters continue to surface from different localities.
Ironically, even as public criticism intensifies, MSPDCL today issued another statement highlighting the “benefits” of Smart Prepaid Meters and urging consumers to upgrade their sanctioned electricity load.
In the statement, Ng. Kirankumar Singh claimed that the new system improves billing transparency, energy accounting, and theft detection while allowing consumers to monitor usage through mobile applications and web portals.
However, many consumers argue that MSPDCL has failed to address the central concern — why functioning prepaid meters are being compulsorily replaced at additional financial burden to the public despite growing mistrust surrounding the new system.
The controversy has intensified further after MSPDCL cited provisions under the amended Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) Supply Code Regulations allowing automatic disconnection when sanctioned load limits are exceeded. Consumers fear the system may become another avenue for increased billing, penalties, and forced load upgrades rather than genuine service improvement.
Despite repeated awareness campaigns, skepticism surrounding Smart Prepaid Meters continues to deepen, with increasing demands for transparency, independent technical audits, and public accountability before the replacement exercise proceeds further.