Shillong, May 23: The Federation of Khasi, Jaintia and Garo People (FKJGP) on Monday submitted a memorandum to the Power Minister Prestone Tynsong in connection with the installation of the Smart Meters in the State.

Dundee C Khongsit, the working president of the FKJGP, on speaking to reporters, said that the FKJGP has no intention to go against any advance practice by the department but that since smart meters are something new and the people across the state are not aware what will be the outcome by introducing the smart meter in every house hold, so it will be very wise if the department can first create awareness program about the whole concept of the installation of the Smart meters.

Khongsit futher informed that the Federation has suggested the Power Minister to initiate the installation of smart meters in all the Government properties such as office quarters, Industries, Govt. Undertaking Establishment as a pilot project.

“If it (pilot project) is successful then the same can be extended to all the consumers of the State. As for now, the Federation will still strongly oppose (it) unless and until the outcome has not been shown for the public interest,” he said.

He further informed that the meeting was fruitful and the power minister has assured to take into consideration the suggestions made.

In addition, Khongsit said they want to know the reason for the sudden hike in the rate of smart meter. He said the rate of the meter was Rs.3,750 for the last two years but its rate has suddenly been hiked to almost Rs. 5000 while the LOA cost is Rs 9,444.44, which has created confusion among all the stake holders.