Rising Electricity Costs And Smart Metering Spark Anger In Dharmanagar; Electricity Consumers And Employees Submit Deputation To Senior Manager.

Dharmanagar, Tripura, 21st of August, 2026 : Protesting against the sharp rise in electricity tariffs, additional duty and fixed charges, and the alleged forced installation of smart meters, electricity consumers and employees in Dharmanagar once again raised their voices on Friday (21st August, 2026).

Under the banner of the Electricity Consumers and Employees Welfare Association, a delegation comprising local residents and electricity workers submitted a memorandum to Sanjib Dasgupta, Senior Manager of the Haflong Yubarajnagar Sub-Division.Leaders of the association alleged that electricity is no longer a luxury but an essential part of everyday life. Despite this, consumers are being burdened with one charge after another. The delegation questioned the justification for duty and fixed charges being added to electricity bills. They also alleged that additional financial burdens are being imposed on ordinary consumers as well as business owners in the name of load assessment, without properly considering actual electricity consumption.The association also strongly objected to the new tariff system and the introduction of prepaid smart meters. They maintained that such measures should not be imposed on consumers without taking their opinions and interests into consideration.

The delegation also expressed concern that the introduction of time-based tariffs could further increase electricity bills.Apart from consumer-related issues, the organisation also raised concerns over the alleged long-standing deprivation of electricity employees and attempts to hand over the power sector to private hands.

According to the association, electricity workers continue to work tirelessly to maintain services, while their legitimate demands remain unaddressed. They expressed apprehension that privatisation of the sector could lead to greater exploitation of ordinary consumers in the future.Through the deputation, the delegation demanded the immediate withdrawal of increased electricity charges, an end to unreasonable load assessments, reconsideration of the smart-meter policy, improvement in the quality of electricity services, and the establishment of an effective consumer protection mechanism for the speedy resolution of complaints.

They also urged the department to give priority to consumer opinion before taking any major policy decision concerning electricity.Among those present during the deputation were Ajay Deb, Sub-Divisional Secretary of the Employees Welfare Association; President Subhash Roy; former Dharmanagar MLA Amitabh Dutta; and a large number of electricity consumers.

It may be mentioned that the Tripura Electricity Regulatory Commission has already issued its new electricity tariff order for the financial year 2026–27, which is available on the TSECL website. Following the submission of the memorandum by consumers and employees, attention is now focused on what steps the department will take in response to their demands.