Former Energy Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule has alleged that the shortage of electric meters for the last two years, is being created for the benefit of private companies.
Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) is expected to install new meters, in case of failure or damage to the meter of any consumer. During the summer malfunctioning of meters is on the higher side. However, the consumers are directed to purchase meters from open market, Bawankule alleged.
MSEDCL was supplying new three-phase meter for Rs 1,596 and single-phase for Rs 944. The prices of meters in the market are Rs 4,000 and Rs 1,800 respectively. The consumer is then levied connecting charges.
Bawankule stated that about 10.57 lakh applications for new connection are pending in the state. Of them about 2.2 lakh have already deposited the prescribed charges for the connections.
