Lucknow: Opposing the installation of smart prepaid electricity meters and frequent power cuts, residents of Kanshiram Colony staged a protest at the Indira Nagar Laulai power substation on Tuesday.The protesters, including women, elderly residents and children, alleged that smart prepaid meters were installed without prior notice in over 2,000 households.Raising slogans against power department officials, they claimed that electricity supply was disconnected immediately when the prepaid balance turned negative, causing daily hardship.Local councillor Mamta Rawat, who was present at the protest, said residents do not want prepaid meters and demanded restoration of the old meters that were replaced without consent.Following escalating tension, Gomti Nagar zone chief engineer Sushil Garg arrived at the power station and assured the protesters that the issue would be resolved within two days and taken up with senior authorities.Chairman of the Uttar Pradesh Rajya Vidyut Upbhokta Parishad, Avadhesh Kumar Verma, demanded immediate UPERC intervention, alleging violations of consumer rights and seeking a halt to mandatory smart prepaid meter installations.
