“We Are Not Smart, We Don’t Want Smart Meters”: Surat Locals Lock Electricity Meters 

Surat, Gujarat –  In an unusual yet powerful form of protest, residents of Pandesara’s Geetanagar-3 area in the diamond city of Surat have physically locked their existing electricity meters to prevent Dakshin Gujarat Vij Company Limited (DGVCL) from replacing them with smart meters. This movement, now widely known as the “Meter Bachao Abhiyan” (Save the Meter Campaign), reflects rising public dissent over the company’s ongoing smart meter installation drive.

Faced with economic pressure and uncertainty, locals say they don’t trust the new meters, fearing increased electricity bills in a time of already crippling inflation.

Locked Meters, Locked Trust

Walking through the narrow lanes near Kailash Chowkdi in Geetanagar-3, one can spot iron cages, metal grills, and padlocks around dozens of electricity meters. It’s not a security measure against theft, but a resistance strategy to stop the DGVCL from switching traditional meters with smart ones.

“We are not smart, so we do not want smart meters,” said Ankit Vishwakarma, a resident and accountant by profession. “We’ve installed locks and iron bars to protect our old meters. We’ve even written to GEB, requesting not to touch them.”

Fear of Rising Bills Amid Inflation

At the core of this movement is deep economic anxiety. Residents believe smart meters, though digital and efficient, will record even minor consumption, unlike traditional meters which they claim leave some margin.

“Our income hasn’t increased, but prices of everything have,” said Ramesh Yadav, a daily wage worker. “If these smart meters push up our power bills too, how are we supposed to survive?”

The poor and middle-class families, already battling price hikes in essentials like food, gas, and rent, view smart meters as another burden—one they simply can’t afford.

Peaceful Yet Determined Protest

This non-violent and symbolic protest reflects growing civil resistance in urban India where technological upgrades are often met with skepticism, especially when rolled out without proper awareness or public trust.

Residents have taken a collective decision: No smart meters until their doubts are addressed. Children, women, and elders have joined this local movement, locking the meters every evening and staying vigilant to prevent any installation attempts.

“Let the government come and explain the benefits. Until then, we are keeping our old meters safe,” said Urmila Patel, a homemaker in the locality.

No Response from DGVCL Yet

Despite the growing protest, DGVCL has not issued any official statement. Sources within the company suggest that door-to-door installation work is currently paused in several parts of Surat due to local opposition.

Experts believe that miscommunication and lack of public engagement could be to blame. “Smart meters are a good idea, but without sensitizing the public about costs, usage, and benefits, backlash like this is inevitable,” said a former energy department official.

What’s Next for the Meter Bachao Abhiyan?

The protest is gaining attention across Surat, and it may soon expand to other neighborhoods. Social media posts and videos of locked meters are going viral, attracting support from civil rights activists and political groups, who accuse the authorities of forcing the change without consent.