Electricity consumers’ convention in Bengaluru on October 26, focus on opposing privatisation of power sector

The All India Electricity Consumers’ Association (AIECA) will host the South India zone electricity consumers’ convention in Bengaluru on October 26. The event will focus on opposing the privatisation of the power sector and pressing for a range of consumer-centric demands.

The convention, set to take place at Gandhi Bhavan, is part of a series of zonal conventions across India. It will bring together representatives from six South Indian states: Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Karnataka, Pondicherry, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana.

Also read: India's first UbuCon India 2025 to launch in Bengaluru on November 15, 16

AIECA State unit secretary Jnanamurthy, speaking to the press in Dharwad on October 13, highlighted that one of the key objectives is to oppose the introduction of smart meters in Karnataka. The convention also aims to continue the fight against the privatisation of the power sector, a cause that has gained significant support.

AIECA's all India president Swapan Ghosh will inaugurate the convention

The event will feature the participation of representatives from AIKKMS (All India Krishak Khet Mazdoor Sanghathan) in solidarity with electricity consumers. AIECA's all India president Swapan Ghosh will inaugurate the convention, with various activists and leaders scheduled to address the gathering.

Jnanamurthy emphasised that while electricity is an essential public service, the government’s policies are pushing it towards becoming a commodity for profit. He also criticised the Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2020, accusing it of favouring corporates at the expense of consumers.