Sector 51 residents raise alarm over frequent power cuts, voltage fluctuations and smart meter safety concerns

Residents claim that despite repeated complaints, no effective corrective measures have been undertaken by the electricity department to address the issue.

Ankita Sharma

June 17, 2026

Residents of Noida's Sector 51 have raised serious concerns over frequent power cuts, voltage fluctuations and alleged smart meter-related issues after an electrical fire reportedly damaged appliances in a residential home. Residents are demanding compensation and immediate corrective action from the electricity department.

Noida: Residents of Sector 51 have lodged a formal complaint with the Chief Engineer of the electricity department, alleging persistent power supply issues, dangerous voltage fluctuations, and concerns about the installation of smart meters. The complaint, dated June 17, 2026, highlights frequent outages, damage to household appliances and a recent fire incident that residents claim was linked to electrical faults.

According to the complaint, residents have been facing power cuts four to five times a day despite Noida being classified as a “No-Cut Zone.” They allege that the recurring interruptions have become a daily inconvenience and have significantly affected the quality of life in the sector.

Residents report damage to household appliances

The complaint further states that erratic power supply, including episodes of extremely high and low voltage, has resulted in damage to several household appliances such as air conditioners, refrigerators, televisions, tube lights and washing machines. Residents claim that despite repeated complaints, no effective corrective measures have been undertaken by the electricity department to address the issue.

Fire incident linked to alleged smart meter fault

A major concern raised in the complaint relates to an incident at house number C-141 in Sector 51. According to residents, a smart meter was installed at the property by the electricity department on December 1, 2025.

On June 14, 2026, the resident allegedly experienced a fire in the meter connection due to a loose connection and voltage fluctuation. Residents claim that two electrical phases came into contact, resulting in a phase-to-phase supply exceeding 440 volts.

The alleged surge reportedly caused an air conditioner to catch fire, damaged a refrigerator and burnt out all tube lights in the house. Residents have demanded compensation from the electricity department, arguing that the damage occurred due to faults in the power supply system.

More residents report similar issues

The matter was reportedly discussed on the official Resident Welfare Association (RWA) group of Sector 51, where several other residents also shared complaints regarding damaged electrical appliances.

According to the letter, residents from houses D-44 and D-162 stated that their household appliances had also suffered damage due to voltage fluctuations.

The complaint suggests that the issue may be affecting multiple households across the sector rather than being an isolated incident.

Questions raised over additional smart meter installations

Residents have also objected to what they describe as pressure to install additional smart meters.

One resident of house number D-68 reportedly informed the RWA that electricity bills had not been generated for the past two months. According to the complaint, the resident was allegedly told that billing would resume only after an additional smart meter was installed at the property.

Residents have urged authorities to investigate the matter and ensure that consumers are not subjected to unnecessary pressure regarding meter installations.

Residents seek accountability

The complaint notes that the issues were also raised on the official WhatsApp group of the electricity department, where senior officials are reportedly present. However, residents allege that no response or clarification was provided.

Calling for accountability, residents have reminded the electricity department that it is responsible for supplying power within prescribed standards. They have demanded compensation for consumers whose appliances have allegedly been damaged due to voltage fluctuations, high voltage or low voltage conditions arising from faults in the distribution network.

Residents are now awaiting a response from the electricity department and have urged authorities to take immediate corrective action to prevent further damage and ensure a stable and safe power supply in Sector 51.