‘Set up high-level probe into cover up of test report’

LUCKNOW: State energy minister Shrikant Sharma on Friday directed the UP Power Corporation Ltd (UPPCL) management to set up a high-level inquiry committee to probe suppression of a report that confirmed that smart meters on three premises in Thakurganj area of Lucknow were found to be running very fast a year ago. The minister also asked the management to get the report within 15 days and take action against the guilty accordingly in the interest of consumers. Sharma issued directions in this regard after UP Rajya Vidyut Upbhokta Parishad chairman Avadhesh Kumar Verma submitted a representation demanding a high-level probe into the issue.

Citing the test report that was allegedly covered up, Verma complained that a consumer Hasin Khan’s smart meter recorded 550 units in 24 days but a check meter was installed to verify recorded only 67 units.

“Similarly, Tarawati’s smart meter showed 868 units while the check meter recorded only 29 units and Lal Bahadur’s smart meter recorded 877 units against 59 units showed in the check meter,” he said.

He said check meters were installed again on the same premises after a week and again the difference was more or less same.

“But instead of taking any action or reporting the issue to higher authorities, the officials merely replaced all the three meters in a hurry,” Verma said.