Shillong, April 19: The Synjuk Waheh Shnong Ri Jaintia on Tuesday demanded the state government to halt the installation of smart metres in Jaintia Hills as they alleged technical defects in their functionality.

In a memo submitted to Meghalaya Dy CM in-charge Power, Prestone Tynsong, they said the installation of smart metres should be stopped across the Jaintia Hills as they need more understanding of the advantage and disadvantages of the smart metring system.

President of the Synjuk Waheh Shnong Ri Jaintia, A Lipon, said, “The Smart Metres which had been decided to install in the state of Meghalaya particularly in the Jaintia Hill Districts have some technical defects as the Smart Metres have not met all technical parameter and their functionality is not perfect.”

He added that the smart metres do not help its consumer to keep track of consumption and does not reduce energy cost, adding that poor people will face challenges if there is overbilling.

On the response of the Power Minister, the Synjuk said the Minister had assured to carry out awareness programmes and get people’s confidence.