Background & Key Concerns: 
Smart meters promise benefits like accurate billing, real-time usage data for consumers, and improved grid management. (Click to Know More About Smart Meters). 

However, the implementation in Karnataka has raised significant concerns that require immediate clarification:

1. Cost Clarity & Justification: There are conflicting reports and public debate regarding the true cost of these smart meters to consumers and the state exchequer. While official statements quote a meter cost (approx. ₹4,998 to ₹28,000 upfront) and a monthly maintenance fee (₹75 to ₹118), allegations have been made suggesting the total cost burden per meter might be substantially higher compared to other states. The public deserves a transparent, detailed breakdown of all costs (procurement, installation, maintenance, software, data handling) and a clear justification for the pricing model, especially considering Karnataka's decision not to participate in the central RDSS subsidy scheme which impacts cost recovery methods. 
2. Procurement Process Transparency: Serious allegations have been raised concerning the transparency and fairness of the tendering process. Questions include adherence to the KTPP Act, the rationale behind specific tender conditions (like vendor experience criteria), the tender duration, and the selection of the vendor(s), including addressing concerns about their past operational record in other states. Full transparency is needed to ensure the process was competitive and served the public interest optimally. 
3. Violations of Rules & Regulations: This decision violates guidelines issued by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) and the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC). It also blatantly disregards the rules under the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurement (KTPP) Act and the Central RDSS standard bidding document.
4. Accessibility of Information: Key documents related to this large-scale project – including detailed contracts, technical specifications, tender evaluation reports, and cost-benefit analyses – should be easily accessible to the public for scrutiny. 

✋ Enough is Enough! Say NO to Daylight Robbery in the Name of Smart Meters!
BESCOM and other ESCOMs in Karnataka have taken a shocking and suspicious decision to implement Smart Meters — not out of public interest, but for reasons best known only to them.

In an alarming move, BESCOM awarded the project titled “Selection of Service Provider for Sale of Smart Meters to New Consumers (Currently)” to:

❌ A pole manufacturing company with zero experience in smart meters
❌ A company that is blacklisted

💰 Massive Scam Exposed — ₹15,000+ Crores LOOT Across Karnataka!
Here’s how the public is being forced to pay for this fraud:

🏠 Average 3-Phase meters per house: 5
💸 Total burden per house/building: ₹1,15,850

⚠️ This Isn’t Just a Scheme — It’s a SCAM!
This move forces every new connection applicant to pay this inflated price. But it doesn’t stop there — the government has also stated that existing meters will be replaced, pushing the cost onto current consumers as well.

Whether you own a home or live on rent — this scam affects every citizen of Karnataka.

✅ Our Demands:

1. Launch an Independent Investigation: Immediately commission a thorough, time-bound, and independent investigation (potentially overseen by the Lokayukta or another impartial body) into the entire smart meter project – from policy decision to procurement, vendor selection, pricing, and implementation. Punish all officials and stakeholders involved in the SCAM.

2. Resignation of the accused Energy Minister: Energy Minister, Mr KJ George has been presiding over the entire process of procurement of these smart meters. We call for the immediate resignation of Mr George to ensure a free & fair investigation. 

3. Ensure Full Public Disclosure: Make all contracts, tender documents, evaluation reports, cost analyses, technical compliance reports, and vendor agreements related to the smart meter project publicly available online without delay. 

4. Consider Pausing Rollout: Halt the further mass installation of smart meters until the independent investigation provides its preliminary findings and crucial information is made public.

 
💥 NOW OR NEVER: Stand Up for Your Rights

• The government has effectively given a license to private companies to steal directly from the public. If we stay silent, tomorrow they'll find new ways to burden us.
• This project involves significant public funds and impacts every household and business in Karnataka. Ensuring transparency, accountability, and value for money is paramount. Addressing these serious concerns through independent scrutiny and open communication is essential for maintaining public trust in governance.
• Let us unite as citizens and raise our voice against this organized exploitation by Signing this Petition. Let us not allow Karnataka’s legacy to fall into the hands of corrupt and vested interests.

👉 Sign this petition now and share it widely. Let’s protect our hard-earned money and our future.

KEY POINTS 

🔎 Overview of the Allegation
Alleged Scam Amount: ₹15,000 crore suspected as overpricing or financial mismanagement across Karnataka.

💰 Price Hike Concerns

Smart Meter Cost Surge:

Single-phase meter: ₹950 → ₹4,998
Three-phase meter: ₹2,500 → ₹28,000
Inflation up to 800% has triggered suspicion of massive over-invoicing.

🧾 Tender & Procurement Issues
Contract is awarded to a company with No Prior Experience and has associated with a Blacklisted Firm.

📜 Violation of Rules

▪️ Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurement (KTPP) Act
▪️ Central Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) Standard Bidding Document
▪️ Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC)

🏛️ Political Fallout
The opposition party has accused the ruling government of corruption and demanded a probe.
Energy Minister's Response: K.J. George stated the project will be halted if irregularities are confirmed, but NO action so far.
 
🔍 Current Status
No CBI or independent probe initiated yet.
Public and media pressure is mounting for transparency and investigation.

“📎 Access full details of this ₹15,000 Crore scam and regulatory violations here.”