Shillong, July 27: The organsisation Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC) recalled that on the On 11th March, 2021, the then Power Minister James Sangma stated on the floor of the House that the cost of each Smart Metre is about Rs 3400 and on 17th March, 2022.
The the Deputy CM incharge Power answered that the cost of Single Phase and Three phase Smart meters are Rs 3750 and Rs 5120 without GST, respectively for the supply and installation of 180000 Meters in the State.
Based on the above replies, the HYC have filed an RTI in the office of the MPDCL on 30th May, 2022 in order to get a clarity on this issue of Smart Meter Project in the State which have been raised time and again in the public domain.
As per replies it is found that the Board of Directors Meeting of MPDCL held on 12th February 2021 approved the Price offered by JV of Satnam Global for Rs 195,34,84,189 (without Taxes and provisional sum) and Rs 232,96,39,343 with GST and Provisional sum at a derived costing of Rs 9444 per meter with services.
The LOA was issued on 16th February 2021 as per Contract Price and break up as under, Ex Works Price components Rs 171,48,42, 495 which come to about Rs 9526 per Meter, GST Component Rs 30,86,71,649 which is about Rs 1715 per meter.
Installation Price Component is Rs 25,94,2 8,135 which comes to about Rs 1441 per Meter, GST component on Installation Rs 46697065 which is about Rs 259Total Contract is Rs 232,96,39,344 and if you make a simple calculation, the total cost incurred for the supply and Installation of one Smart Meter is Rs 12,941/-, whereby the cost of Installation, testing, commissioning of each Smart Meter is Rs 12941- 3750= Rs 9191 which is almost two times it’s procurement cost.
As can be seen above, it is unclear as to how the Ministers concerns provided the answers above when the calculations of the project cost shows the rates of the supply and installation per meter is Rs 12,941 with GST.
In order to clear the doubts in the mind of the public and the citizens of the State we demand that the Deputy Chief Minister Incharge Power to clarify as to how the cost of the Project for the installation and Supply of 180000 Nos of Smart Meters is given at a cost of Rs 232 Crores when the cost of each Meter is only Rs 3750 as per his statement on the floor of the house.
The HYC would also like to demand that justification be given as to how the installation, testing and other services of each Smart meter is given at Rs 9191 when the cost of Meter is only Rs 3750.
It is also found that as per replies given in the RTI, that the cost of maintenance and simcards of the smart meters will have to be borne by the Consumers at the end of a period of 2 years. This in our view will create great difficulties to the consumers, particularly the rural consumers.
As per replies provided, it found that East and West Garo Hills Distribution Circles are two Circles where AT&C Losses is very high at 75.34% and 60.72 %, respectively. So we reiterate our demands as stated in our earlier communication to the State Government that Smart Meters should be implemented in the above two Distribution Circles as a pilot project.
And if the results is satisfactory, then it may be extended to other Distribution Circles where AT&C Losses is comparatively high. The HYC also demand that the MPDCL should carry out awareness programs on the pros and cons and the future liabilities of the consumers in those Villages where Smart meters will be installed. Said Mr.Roy Kupar Synrem General Secretary HYC central body.
