Consumers of Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) are caught in a cross fire of sorts on the issue of affixing of smart meters, even as questions about inflated power bills remains unanswered. The citizens are in quandary, particularly after MSEDCL sent enmass SMS to inform about its mandate to install smart meters, replacing the electronic meters. For the same, the discom is relying on 2021 gazette notification of Government of India about (Installation and Operation of Meters). However, a fine reading of notification would reveal that smart meters with pre-paid mode are mandatory where AT&C losses more than 15 per cent in financial year 2019-20. But in Nagpur, atleast this is the not the case, barring some areas in Civil Lines and Gandhibagh Division in Nagpur Urban Circle. But MSEDCL message leaves citizens out of any option as there is no mention about necessary mandate from the house or establishment owner.

 

So the consumers are worried given instances wherein post smart meters’ installation, the power bills have sky-rocketed. And given the current mode of operation of discom, first the consumer has to deposit the inflated bill, even if one is not in financial position, and then only the complaint is entertained. With mounting concerns over rising cost of power, especially in summer when consumption rises, citizens are agitated over the message of MSEDCL as to unilateral notice stating a smart meter can be installed at any customer;s place. Initially the State said they would not impose smart meters on citizens, but now with the message being sent to consumers, there is confusion on the ground. From discom’s point of view, smart meters offer them better control over monitoring usage, and in case of any attempt to by-pass or tamper with supply can be detected quite easily as these meters are tracked remotely. The facility however is not available in current electronic meters and hence MSEDCL is keen to get 100 per cent of meters replaced.