Mounting consumer opposition to smart electricity meters across Maharashtra has prompted the Maharashtra Vij Grahak Sanghathna to demand an independent judicial inquiry into distribution companies’ alleged practice of forcibly replacing meters by labelling them ‘slow’ or ‘faulty.’
The organisation alleges that distribution companies have for months been pressuring consumers to accept smart meter replacements without providing clarity on billing or technical grounds. Consumers report inflated bills with no satisfactory explanation. The Sanghathna contends that distribution companies — not independent agencies — are unilaterally declaring meters defective, a process it calls legally untenable.
Under Sections 55 and 56(4) of the Electricity Act, 2003, consumers have a statutory right to independent meter testing. The organisation argues this right is being bypassed. Courts have in some instances stayed forcible replacements, but the practice continues, the body said.
The Sanghathna’s key demands include an independent technical inquiry, a judicial probe into distribution companies’ conduct, a state government-level transparent billing disclosure, and a halt to forcible meter replacement.
“The meter is not faulty — the distribution company itself should be investigated, and this process should be subject to judicial oversight,” Sanghathna said in a statement
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