Himachal Pradesh: Smart Meters First for Electricity Dept Employees Amid Protests

• Himachal Pradesh's Sukhu government decides to install smart meters first in homes of electricity department employees and retired personnel.
• This decision comes amidst continuous protests against smart meter installations across the state.
• Chief Engineer Ajay Gautam of Kangra Zone issued orders for priority installation, even if the connection is not directly in the employee's name but they reside there.
• The initiative aims to build public trust, enhance transparency, and improve billing efficiency and consumer services, clarifying it's not for privatization.
• Assistant Engineers are instructed to monitor the process, complete work timely, and submit weekly progress reports; retired employees are urged to help raise awareness.