MSEDCL commences installation of smart electricity meters in Maharashtra

The Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) has started installing smart power meters in various parts of the state. An official announcement on Friday revealed the initiative’s progress,  despite opposition from some activists who argue that the meter costs are exorbitant and could lead to a power tariff hike of at least 30 paise per unit from the next financial year.

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

Lokesh Chandra, the managing director of Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC), mentioned that there is a plan to install a total of 2.25 crore smart meters across the state. Of the 341 smart meters installed so far, 60 are in Nagpur, 146 in Gondia, 30 in Wardha, 10 in Bhandara, and 95 in Chandrapur. This rollout includes the offices of Mahavitaran and staff quarters.

“The meters will also receive a subsidy from the Central government, and no money will be charged upfront from consumers,” an official noted. Additionally, a survey for the installations has been completed, and the actual installation of meters is now underway. The private contractors responsible for installing the meters are obligated to maintain and repair them for ten years.

Currently, the installation of smart meters will not include agricultural consumers.