Nagpur: Smart meters record every unit of electricity consumed, including hidden leakages and minor power losses that older meters often missed, Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Ltd (MSEDCL) said, attributing the surge in electricity bills reported by many consumers to more accurate measurement rather than faulty metering. The utility also cited higher summer power consumption as a major reason for increased bills.According to the utility, smart meters are capable of recording even small amounts of electricity consumption that older meters often failed to capture. These include losses caused by poor earthing, internal leakages, faulty wiring and other unnoticed electrical losses inside homes, which now get reflected in the electricity bill.Speaking to TOI, MSEDCL’s chief public relations officer Bharat Pawar said the biggest reason for higher bills was the sharp increase in electricity consumption during summer.“Apart from this, the old meters did not record leakages or small consumptions, which used to lead to losses to MSEDCL. However, the smart meters detect and record every small loss and give exact consumption to the consumer. That is why many might be feeling that their bills are getting higher after smart meter installations,” said Pawar.Pawar said many consumers may also be unaware that several appliances continue drawing electricity even when switched off through remote controls. He cited examples such as televisions and air-conditioners that remain in standby mode, besides hidden leakages and other minor electricity usage.“Earlier, all of the consumptions were not recorded in old meters, but the new meters record them properly,” said Pawar.MSEDCL has urged consumers not to panic if they suspect their smart meter is recording higher consumption. The utility said consumers can lodge complaints through its toll-free helplines — 1912, 1800-233-3435 and 1800-212-3435 — or visit the nearest MSEDCL office for assistance. Consumers also have the option of applying for an official meter accuracy test by paying the prescribed fee.“At many locations, we have installed old and new meters together to check the consumption pattern, and the recordings were the same. If a consumer feels that their smart meter is recording higher units, they can approach their sub-division office and request a test with both meters,” said a MSEDCL official.The utility also suggested a simple way to check for possible electricity leakage. Consumers should switch off all lights, fans and electrical appliances at night and observe the electricity meter outside their homes. If the meter’s red indicator light continues blinking rapidly or the meter continues recording consumption despite all appliances being switched off, it may indicate leakage in the home’s electrical wiring. In such cases, MSEDCL advised consumers to contact a qualified electrician for a detailed inspection.MSEDCL maintained that with smart meters, consumers can track their consumption and even get an 85 paisa discount per unit consumed during solar hours.
