Panaji, May 5, 2026:
Citizens for Democracy (CFD) has lauded the Uttar Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, for suspending the rollout of mandatory prepaid smart meters, calling the move a “pro-consumer decision” taken in response to public concerns.

CFD chief Elvis Gomes urged the Goa government to take a cue from Uttar Pradesh and immediately halt the installation of smart meters in the state.

“Will Goa learn from this BJP-ruled state and stop the forced installation of smart meters, or will it remain bogged down by the weight of the ₹890 crore tender?” Gomes questioned.

The Uttar Pradesh government reportedly suspended the rollout following widespread public protests and complaints over technical glitches, billing discrepancies, and remote disconnections. Authorities have also ordered that existing prepaid smart meters be converted back to postpaid mode.

“If a large state like Uttar Pradesh can prioritize consumer rights and acknowledge the technical failures of this system, why is the Goa government behaving like a recovery agent for private vendors?” Gomes asked.

CFD alleged that despite claims of “no upfront cost,” the ₹890 crore project in Goa could become a financial burden on consumers through hidden charges and tariff hikes. “Is the department serving the people of Goa, or is it serving the interests of a commission-heavy tender?” Gomes added.

The group reiterated its stance that under Electricity Act, 2003, particularly Section 47(5), smart meters should remain optional and not be forcibly imposed.

Amar Gaonkar, who is jointly spearheading the “Smart Meter Naka” movement, warned that Goa could face issues similar to those reported in Uttar Pradesh, including inflated billing and sudden disconnections without prior notice. “Goa is heading toward the same disaster unless the prepaid compulsion is dropped immediately,” he said.

CFD also raised concerns over data privacy, alleging that real-time energy consumption data shared with private entities could pose security risks to households if proper safeguards and accountability mechanisms are not in place.

Throwing a direct challenge to Power Minister Sudin Dhavalikar, Gaonkar said, “If you are so confident that smart meters are beneficial, make it a central issue in the upcoming elections. Let the people decide.”

Citizens for Democracy has called on Goans to remain vigilant and announced that it has prepared a draft legal notice for residents to formally refuse the installation of smart meters without a comprehensive public audit and individual consent.