The Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) has initiated the installation of smart power meters across the state, despite opposition from some activists who claim that the costs are excessive and could result in a power tariff increase of at least 30 paise per unit from the next financial year. An official announcement on Friday highlighted the progress of this significant initiative.
A senior MSEDCL official explained, “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.”
Scope and Progress of Installation
Lokesh Chandra, the managing director of Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC), outlined plans to install a total of 2.25 crore smart meters across the state. So far, the installation includes:
- Nagpur: 60 meters
- Gondia: 146 meters
- Wardha: 30 meters
- Bhandara: 10 meters
- Chandrapur: 95 meters
These installations also cover the offices of Mahavitaran and staff quarters, marking a significant step in the modernization of the state’s electricity distribution infrastructure.
Benefits and Implementation
“The meters will also receive a subsidy from the Central government, and no money will be charged upfront from consumers,” noted an official. The initiative aims to alleviate the financial burden on consumers while enhancing the efficiency and transparency of electricity usage and billing.
Additionally, a comprehensive survey for the installations has been completed, paving the way for the actual deployment of the meters. Private contractors responsible for the installation are required to maintain and repair the meters for ten years, ensuring long-term reliability and service continuity.
Exclusions and Future Plans
Currently, the installation of smart meters will not extend to agricultural consumers. This decision reflects the initial focus on urban and residential areas, where the need for precise and transparent billing is most pressing. Future phases of the project may consider broader inclusion as the program evolves and demonstrates its effectiveness.
