AGARTALA: Responding to the urgent call of the Tripura Electric Consumers’ Association (TECA), a state-level convention was organized at the Dakhini Griha auditorium in Agartala.
The gathering brought together consumer rights activists, trade union representatives, and local citizens to voice collective opposition against rising power costs, forced smart meter installations, and corporate shifts in the state power sector.
Key Deliberations & Demand Agenda
- Rejection of Smart Meters: Delegates unanimously resolved to resist the mass installation of prepaid smart meters, citing arbitrary billing rates, hidden service surcharges, and a lack of accountability from private vendors.
- Protest Against Tariff Burden: The convention criticized recent tariff structures and gas duty surcharges, demanding that the benefits of Tripura’s domestically produced natural gas be passed directly to consumers rather than raising power costs.
- Protection of Consumer Rights: Speakers emphasized the need to safeguard low-income domestic households, agricultural workers, and small traders from disconnection threats and inflated billing practices.
- Call for Statewide Agitation: The forum drafted a resolution to mobilize public support across all sub-divisions, demanding immediate structural intervention by the state power department and TSECL.
Convenor’s Statement
Addressing media representatives at the venue, TECA Convenor Sanjay Choudhury outlined the organization’s immediate roadmap and warning to authorities:
“This convention is a direct response to the escalating financial distress imposed on power consumers across Tripura. The unannounced billing surges and forced privatization through smart meters must stop immediately. TECA will take this movement to every sub-division and residential area if public grievances are not addressed promptly.”
— Sanjay Choudhury, Convenor, TECA
Key Dignitaries & Representatives Present
- Sanjay Choudhury: Convenor, Tripura Electric Consumers’ Association (TECA).
- Delegates and executive members of consumer rights groups, worker unions, and civic representatives.
