Now, smart meters to monitor electricity consumption : 2.41 crores meters will be changed 

By: Pune Pulse

October 1, 2023

Pune: In a significant move, preparations are currently underway to install prepaid smart meters throughout the state, allowing electricity consumers to monitor and control their electricity consumption costs according to their preferences. These meters will be installed within the next few months. 

Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister and Energy Minister of Maharashtra has instructed the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) to provide high-quality, customer-oriented service to electricity consumers. In line with this directive, MSEDCL has taken a significant step towards installing prepaid smart meters, granting consumers complete control over their electricity expenses. The existing conventional meters of the 2.41 crore MSEDCL customers in the state will be replaced with prepaid smart meters.

Once these smart meters are installed, electricity consumers will be able to utilize electricity by making payments similar to mobile phone usage. Regular updates regarding electricity consumption will be sent to the customer’s mobile phone, providing information on the amount of electricity used. Additionally, customers will be informed about their remaining balance and can plan their electricity usage accordingly. 

Importantly, customers will receive the new prepaid smart meters free of charge. The cost of these meters will be covered by both the central government and MSEDCL. Under the current system, electricity consumers take meter readings every month and subsequently receive bills based on their usage. If a customer exceeds their usual electricity consumption, the electricity bills are higher, which can disrupt their financial planning. As electricity usage is unavoidable, customers have no choice but to pay these bills but now they can monitor their own electricity usage. 

There will be no occurrence of power outages during the night after the implementation of prepaid smart meters. These meters will only experience power outages when the customer’s funds are depleted. However, customers will have the advantage of being able to monitor their power consumption and remaining balance on their mobile phones, making it more convenient to make timely payments. 

Additionally, customers will have the option to make online payments from the comfort of their homes using their mobile phones. Furthermore, a messaging system will be in place to notify customers when their funds are running low. If a customer’s electricity funds are exhausted during the night, the power supply will not abruptly cease. Instead, power will continue to be supplied from 6 p.m. to 10 a.m. The meter stipulates that customers must continue to pay for the electricity supply until 10 a.m. the following day, at which point the amount of electricity used will be deducted.

Madhupriya Dhanwate