Kavitha Opposes Prepaid Smart Meters, Demands Immediate Withdrawal

Telangana Rakshana Sena president Kalvakuntla Kavitha has strongly opposed the Telangana government’s decision to install prepaid smart meters for domestic electricity connections, alleging that the move could threaten the continuation of free and subsidised power schemes in the state. She demanded that the government withdraw the decision immediately.

Kavitha raised the issue after visiting ‘Power Expo-2026’ organised by TGSSPDCL at People’s Plaza in Hyderabad on Monday. She inspected various stalls at the exhibition and gathered information about new technologies and equipment being introduced in the power sector.

Speaking to the media, Kavitha alleged that the state government had agreed to a new Central government scheme and was proceeding with the installation of smart meters. She criticised the Revanth Reddy government, claiming that similar proposals had earlier faced strong opposition from farmers and accusing the state of now implementing the same approach under pressure from the Centre.

Kavitha said prepaid meters would make electricity consumption similar to a mobile phone recharge system, with consumers required to pay in advance for power. She warned that electricity supply could be disconnected once the prepaid balance was exhausted. Referring to opposition to such meters in Uttar Pradesh, she said the government should consider the difficulties faced by consumers before proceeding.

She further cautioned that smart meters could have implications for Telangana’s 200-unit free electricity scheme, as well as subsidised power provided to salons and SC and ST beneficiaries. Kavitha also alleged that the move was aimed at promoting Adani’s business interests, while shifting an additional financial burden onto the public.

The Telangana Rakshana Sena, she said, would not accept smart meters under any circumstances. Kavitha urged the government to instead use the existing metering system to ensure 24-hour quality power supply.

She also called for the resolution of issues concerning outsourcing and contract workers in the electricity department, and urged the government to focus on consumer-friendly measures rather than policies that could increase the financial burden on households.