MSEDCL starts installing smart electricity meters enabling consumers to recharge their electricity balance like mobile phones

The Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) has initiated the installation of smart power meters in select regions of the state, an official announced on Friday.

However, a section of activists has opposed this move, citing the high costs of the meters and predicting a potential power tariff hike of at least 30 paise per unit from the next financial year.

A senior MSEDCL official stated on Friday, “We have installed smart meters for 341 electricity consumers, which include 18 offices and 323 residential flats. These smart meters will provide transparent and accurate billing services, allowing consumers to track their electricity consumption on an hourly, daily, and weekly basis.”

With these smart electricity meters, consumers will be able to recharge their electricity balance just like they do for their mobile phones.

Lokesh Chandra, the managing director of the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC), revealed plans to install a total of 2.25 crore smart meters across the state. “Of the 341 smart meters installed, 60 are in Nagpur, 146 in Gondia, 30 in Wardha, 10 in Bhandara, and 95 in Chandrapur. This includes the offices of Mahavitran and staff quarters,” he added.

An official noted that the meters would receive a subsidy from the Central government, ensuring that consumers would not be charged upfront. Additionally, private contractors responsible for installing the meters will be obligated to maintain and repair them for ten years. Currently, the installation of smart meters does not extend to agricultural consumers.