A joint fact-finding committee comprising representatives from the Dimapur District GB Association (DDGBA), GB Union Dimapur Sadar (GBUD), and Dimapur Urban Council Chairmen Federation (DUCCF) has submitted a report to the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Dimapur regarding the state government’s directive on smart prepaid meter installation.

This was announced after the committee convened a meeting at Duncan village council hall on June 3.

Addressing the media, Convenor of the committee, Dr. Kahuka Sema stated that the 15-member committee was constituted amid rising public concerns over the mandatory rollout of smart prepaid meters in Dimapur’s urban areas. He said that the committee’s report was based on consultations and field observations, outlines key public grievances and identifies several anomalies in the implementation process.

In its findings, the committee acknowledged the state’s goal to curb electricity losses but recommended a phased rollout of the smart prepaid meter system. The report suggests starting with government offices, institutions, industries, and commercial establishments before expanding to domestic consumers.

Among its major recommendations were infrastructure improvements including upgrades to poles, cables, and transformers, alongside robust public sensitization campaigns to raise awareness about the benefits and functioning of the smart meters. The committee further advocated for consumer choice, urging that households be allowed to voluntarily opt into the new system rather than face mandatory implementation.

The report also highlighted that Nagaland suffers from the highest Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses in the country, with electricity theft estimated to account for 30-40% of the total.

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The committee noted that any implementation of the Government of India’s Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) should be inclusive and holistic.

The deputy commissioner received the report and assured the committee that their findings and proposals would be forwarded to the appropriate authorities for further review and action.

The committee reaffirmed its commitment to support efforts to reduce power theft and encouraged the public to report such cases through local councils to aid coordinated enforcement with the power department.