Noida, Aug. 23 -- The ongoing installation of smart electricity meters has triggered widespread concern among citizens, alleging inflated bills, confusion over mandatory prepaid usage, and a lack of transparency in the process. The Federation of Noida Residents Welfare Associations (FONRWA) has flagged discontent among households, particularly in Sector 34. The FONRWA has raised the issue with Pashchimanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited (PVVNL), urging the utility to investigate inflated bills and clarify the terms of smart meter usage. "Unless billing transparency and consumer trust are ensured, smart meters will remain a point of resistance, said FONRWA general secretary, KK Jain. According to FONRWA, many residents had initially resisted the roll-out of new meters over fear that they might "run fast" and result in higher billing. In a letter addressed to chief engineer PVVNL Noida, the federation alleged that during installation, residents were informed that prepaid metering would be an optional feature. However, they are now receiving SMS alerts making prepaid payment compulsory. "After installation, many of us have received unusually high bills," said a resident, Devendra Vats. FONRWA has urged UPPCL to make the prepaid facility optional, allow check meters to be installed in cases of abnormal billing, and clarify whether any additional charges were being levied for the new system....