Nagpur: The Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Ltd (MSEDCL) has accelerated its smart meter rollout across Nagpur district, with more than 5.85 lakh smart meters already installed among its nearly 14 lakh consumers. The utility has covered around 42% of consumers and is pushing ahead to replace meters with the remaining 58% of households and establishments. The ongoing drive has triggered growing opposition from consumers after MSEDCL recently sent bulk messages informing residents their existing electricity meters would be replaced within the next 48 hours. The messages sparked concern among several consumers, many of whom questioned whether the utility could replace meters without obtaining their explicit consent. Several residents have submitted written objections to MSEDCL, arguing consumers should have the right to decide whether they want a smart meter installed at their premises. The issue has also gained traction on social media, where users have shared posts and videos questioning the utility’s authority to compulsorily replace meters.Several social media users circulated old videos in which Fadnavis stated ‘prepaid smart meters’ would not be installed in households. While MSEDCL has dropped the proposal of prepaid billing through smart meters, installation of smart meters themselves has continued.MSEDCL has rejected allegations regarding inflated bills. Speaking to TOI, the utility’s chief public relations officer Bharat Pawar said electricity meters are the property of MSEDCL and can be replaced whenever required. He maintained smart meters are more accurate than conventional meters and provide real-time consumption data to both consumers and the utility. Pawar alleged misinformation was being spread about the meters and reiterated the drive would continue.
