Pune Residents Get ₹8.6 Crore Relief In Power Bill Through Smart TOD Meters, Daytime Power Discount Continues

Pune, February 17, 2026 : Pune electricity consumers are benefiting significantly from the installation of Smart/TOD (Time of Day) electricity meters, which offer a discount of 80 paise per unit for electricity used between 9 am and 5 pm. Between July 2025 and January 2026, residents of Pune collectively received a benefit of approximately ₹8.60 crore, which has been directly adjusted in their monthly electricity bills.

The meters are being installed free of cost, and the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (Mahavitaran) has appealed to consumers to cooperate with its staff during the installation process.

Large-Scale Installation Across Pune Region

Under the Pune Circle, Mahavitaran currently serves around 39.71 lakh electricity consumers, out of which 9.84 lakh consumers have already been provided with advanced TOD meters. Installation work for the remaining consumers is underway and will be completed in phases.

The initiative began with Mahavitaran’s own offices and residential colonies, followed by government offices and official residential complexes. Mahavitaran has clarified that these meters are completely free, and no charges are being collected from consumers for installation.

Why the Discount Is Being Offered

According to Mahavitaran officials, the share of solar power in the electricity supply mix is steadily increasing. Since solar power is available during daytime and is cheaper than conventional power sources, this benefit is being passed on to consumers in the form of a per-unit daytime discount.

Currently, consumers receive 80 paise per unit as a concession, and officials have indicated that this benefit may increase to ₹1 per unit in the future. To avail of this discount, installation of a TOD meter is mandatory.

 Regions Receiving the Highest Benefits

The Pune Circle operates through three major divisions:

Ganeshkhind City Division

Rastapeth City Division

Pune Rural Division

TOD meter distribution and consumer benefits are as follows:

Ganeshkhind City Division: 3,66,867 TOD meters — ₹3.69 crore in savings

Rastapeth City Division: 3,63,742 TOD meters — ₹3.53 crore in savings

Pune Rural Division: 2,54,353 TOD meters — ₹1.37 crore in savings

These figures represent savings accrued over a seven-month period.

Public Reassurance from Officials

Addressing concerns and misinformation, Mahavitaran officials have clarified that the new meters do not increase electricity bills.

“In some areas, people are opposing the installation of new meters without understanding their benefits. The bills will not increase; they will only be more accurate. Consumers should not fall prey to rumours or social media misinformation and must cooperate with field staff during meter installation,” said Sunil Kakade, Chief Engineer, Mahavitaran Pune Circle.