LUCKNOW, April 17 -- A standoff between residents and the power department intensified in Indira Nagar on Thursday, with protesters refusing talks until newly installed smart electricity meters are replaced. At the Sector-14 power house in Indira Nagar, residents raised slogans against Madhyanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited (MVVNL) and energy minister A K Sharma, alleging erratic billing linked to smart meters. They claimed balances were turning negative despite timely payments. "Replace the meters first, then we'll talk," remained the key demand. Officials assured action and joined a march with protesters, but the move failed to calm tempers. Women protesters led the agitation, demanding immediate replacement before any dialogue. Authorities, however, said most bills were within Rs.2,000, suggesting no major irregularities, widening the gap with residents. Sushil Garg, chief engineer of the Lucknow Electricity Supply Administration (LESA), said that the matter is being considered at a higher level and the LESA will follow the decisions of UPPCL and MVVNL. "At the ground level officials are always available in case of any problem but in prepaid smart meters the residents will have to charge the meters regularly," he added The protest follows similar demonstrations a day earlier, when around 8,300 electricity connections were snapped due to negative balances. By Thursday, nearly 1,000 connections were yet to be restored. Residents alleged sudden disconnections without notice due to technical glitches and recharge delays....