Can You Say No to a Smart Meter? MSEDCL Clarifies Amid Pune Consumer Concerns
Can You Say No to a Smart Meter? MSEDCL Clarifies Amid Pune Consumer Concerns
MSEDCL says smart meters are voluntary, but many residents question why working meters are being replaced and fear higher electricity bills.
Pune, June 20: The ongoing installation of smart electricity meters across Pune and nearby areas has left many consumers confused. Residents are asking whether smart meters are mandatory and why existing, functional meters are being replaced.
Several consumers say they have not received clear information about the replacement drive. Many want to know if they can refuse the installation of smart meters.
The issue has particularly affected small businesses, commercial establishments, and rooftop solar users. Some consumers have claimed that their electricity bills increased after smart meters were installed, putting additional pressure on household and business budgets.
Consumer groups have also raised concerns that replacing working meters could lead to unnecessary expenses and inconvenience.
Amid growing concerns, the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) has clarified that smart meters are not compulsory. According to the utility, consumers are being encouraged to adopt the technology voluntarily.
MSEDCL Chief Public Relations Officer Bharat Pawar said nearly 1.20 crore smart meters have been installed across Maharashtra. In Pune, which has around 39 lakh electricity consumers, about 14.72 lakh consumers have already switched to smart meters.
“Smart meters are not mandatory. We are only appealing to consumers to adopt them. They help consumers track electricity usage more accurately and take advantage of time-of-day tariff benefits. Billing will continue to remain post-paid as before,” Pawar said.
Meanwhile, opposition to the programme is growing. Members of the Patit Pavan Sanghatana recently protested outside the MSEDCL office in Rasta Peth, alleging that the new system is being imposed on consumers without adequately addressing their concerns.
The protesters demanded greater transparency regarding the benefits, costs, and long-term impact of smart meters and called for a review of the implementation process.
