Shillong: The Meghalaya government is considering terminating its contract with SAI Computers as public frustration over electricity billing and service quality reaches a boiling point. The private firm, which serves as an input-based distribution franchisee for the state utility MeECL, has faced intense backlash across Garo Hills and Mawsynram. Residents and pressure groups have demanded the company be removed due to allegations of arbitrary fines, poor maintenance, and exorbitant, inaccurate electricity bills.
As the primary point of contact for consumers, SAI Computers has become the face of the state's privatization struggles. Company representatives maintain that they are not responsible for pricing, as the Meghalaya State Electricity Regulatory Commission holds sole authority to set tariffs. A company spokesperson clarified the division of labor: "To put it simply, the MSERC decides the tariffs, the MePDCL owns the distribution network, and we merely manage day-to-day distribution operations in specific franchise areas."
Despite this defense, the operational model has faced significant scrutiny. Local leaders in Mawsynram highlighted that the company operated without required trading licenses or mandatory no-objection certificates from village authorities. Similar complaints emerged in Dadenggre, where residents reported that working accounts were incorrectly labeled as defective to justify billing irregularities. These mounting administrative and community pressures led the Meghalaya government to officially discontinue the firm's engagement in the Mawsynram sub-division. Chief Minister Conrad Sangma confirmed that the administration is now evaluating the potential cancellation of the company's remaining contracts.
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