Even as the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) is trying to convince its consumers that the newly installed ‘Smart Meters’ are efficient and transparent, consumers are raising doubts over the increased electricity bills. Many consumers told The Hitavada that their power bills have more than doubled since installation of the new smart meters. A consumer, on the condition of anonymity, said that his power bill has increased by 120 per cent. “Inspite of no noticeable change in consumption, my bill has gone up,” he said. Another consumer also said that he has been receiving inflated bills for the past two months. However MSEDCL highlighted various technical reasons behind the increased electricity bills many consumers have received recently. Addressing the doubts raised over the increased electricity bills, the state-owned discon clarified that the new smart meters are 100 per cent technically accurate and operate in the best interest of consumers.

 

The system not only ensures transparency in billing but also empowers consumers to save energy by accurately analysing their own electricity consumption. “However outdated domestic wiring, faulty earthing systems, or current leakage in older appliances lead to inadvertent power wastage, an oversight that proves costly to consumers,” stated the company in a press release. Highlighting the primary drivers behind the increased bills, MESDCL outlined several critical factors like growing use of e-vehicles; use of various modern kitchen appliances; and recent changes in weather conditions among other factors. Sudhir Budhe, expert in the field also said, “The growing adoption of eco-friendly electric vehicles (EVs) requires additional electricity for charging, which is directly reflected in the monthly bills. Similarly, the use of induction cooktops and other similar appliances consume high amounts of power, all of which are precisely logged by smart meters. In addition to this, during peak summer months, air conditioners

 

ACs), coolers, and fans run around the clock. Comparing these high-demand summer bills with winter consumption often creates an illusion of an unjustified hike.” Budhe advised the consumers to conduct periodic electrical audits of their wiring, and get their earthing systems checked by certified electricians. In the meanwhile MSEDCL has also issued a statement saying that the new smart meters are aimed at making electricity usage more efficient and transparent in this era of modern technology. MSEDCL clarified that a specialized expert team has recently conducted a meticulous inspection of the smart meters belonging to complainants who reported inflated electricity bills. The inspection was carried out using the advanced ‘Accu-Check’ system. “The results of this evaluation conclusively proved that all the smart meters are technically flawless and fully functional,” said MSEDCL confirming that the rise in billing is not due to any technical glitch, but rather reflects the actual electricity consumed. MSEDCL’s analytical data also indicates a substantial surge in the utilisation of household appliances due to evolving modern lifestyles.