Smart Meter Catches Fire in Chamba’s Bhadram Area, Sparks Local Concern

Chamba: A smart electricity meter caught fire on Monday afternoon in Bhadram area of Rajpura Panchayat, located near Chamba town, causing the meter to be completely damaged. Following information from a shopkeeper, the electricity board team reached the spot, controlled the situation and installed a new meter.

According to reports, there was a sudden voltage surge in the evening, after which smoke started coming out of the meter. The shopkeeper quickly disconnected the wires to prevent fire from spreading to the shop and nearby wiring, averting major damage. The incident has created panic in the area, especially as opposition to smart meters has been growing in recent weeks.

Local residents alleged that despite old meters working properly, smart meters are being installed under pressure. They claimed that after installation, electricity bills have become irregular, with fluctuating amounts and faulty readings. People also complained about frequent visits by staff and threats of disconnection, warning that protests will be launched if forced installation continues.

Executive Engineer of the Electricity Board Chamba, Parvesh Thakur, said the matter is being investigated to determine the cause of the fire. He added that around 2,000 smart meters have already been installed in Chamba, and the incident may be due to a technical fault. He assured that smart meters are functioning well and there is no need for public concern.