Gurgaon: Udyog Vihar industrialists want power meters in safe location

Owners said that leaving the electricity meters on a pole outside the premises was dangerous as the meters could be tampered with or damaged

The industry owners of Udyog Vihar said they are unhappy with the Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (DHBVN) placing electricity meters on poles outside their premises.

Most of the meters were replaced two years ago. About 30% of the total number of meters are yet to be replaced. (PArveen Kumar/HT Photo)

The owners alleged that this left the meters prone to tampering and damage, and any fault in the meter would cause problems for them.

“DHBVN said any fault with the meter would result in us paying a fine. If someone tampers with the meter or damage it in any way, why should we pay the price for that? We have never asked DHBVN to place our meters outside. The agency is doing it without our consent and we want this practice to end. We held a meeting with the officials on Tuesday and they said they are doing it on the directions of higher authorities,” said Rakesh Gupta, an industry owner.

Most of the meters were replaced two years ago. About 30% of the total number of meters are yet to be replaced.

The owners said shifting of meters outside their premises is a major concern.

“We are reviewing this policy. Basically, we want the meters to be safe. Instead of putting meters on poles, we want the DHBVN to place them in proper chambers, away from the reach of children and safe from tampering,” said Raj Singla, former president of Chamber of Industries, Udyog Vihar.

Sachin Yadav, executive engineer,DHBVN, said, “We spoke to industry owners in this regard and assured them the safety of meters. We are placing meters outside as per our policy.”