As protests against smart prepaid meters gather momentum in Nagpur, Mahavitaran (MSEDCL) has issued a point-by-point rebuttal of claims driving the agitation, asserting that smart meters do not increase electricity bills and urging consumers not to be misled by rumours.
Several organisations under the Nagpur Prepaid Meter Virodh Andolan banner have been opposing the installation drive, with consumers alleging steep rises in electricity bills following smart meter installation. Mahavitaran has pushed back firmly, stating that smart meters only record actual consumption — bills go up in summer because of higher usage of ACs, coolers, fans and refrigerators, not because of the meters themselves.
The utility also clarified that smart meters carry no cost for consumers; installation is entirely free. On the question of safety, Mahavitaran said the meters are BIS-approved and operate on IoT technology under cybersecurity norms.
Officials also highlighted a financial benefit: consumers who shift heavy appliance use to the government-designated off-peak window — 1 pm to 5 pm — can avail a discount of 1.5 units per unit consumed, potentially reducing their bills. Smart meters make such tracking possible through a real-time mobile app, eliminating manual reading errors and improving billing transparency.
Mahavitaran has appealed to Nagpur region consumers to cooperate with installation teams and report to the company if any personnel demands payment during the process.
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