With misinformation surrounding Smart Time-of-Day (ToD) electricity meters continuing to circulate on social media, the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) will organise consumer awareness and grievance redressal camps across all sub-divisions in Nagpur and Wardha districts on July 8 from 9 am to 2 pm.
The camps are aimed at clearing misconceptions about smart meters, explaining their functioning and billing mechanism, and addressing consumer complaints through direct interaction with officials and technical experts. MSEDCL Chief Engineer Rajesh Naik appealed to consumers not to be misled by rumours on social media and instead rely on official information.
He said Smart (ToD) meters are accurate, transparent and beneficial for consumers. Domestic consumers using these meters receive a rebate of 85 paise per unit on electricity consumed between 9 am and 5 pm, allowing households to reduce their monthly bills by shifting power-intensive activities to daytime hours.
“Some people are deliberately spreading false information to create unnecessary panic among consumers. Similar Time-of-Day meters have been in use by industrial consumers for years and have proven to be reliable,” Naik said.
Queries, billing complaints to be addressed
During the camps, consumers will be able to interact directly with sub-divisional officers and technical staff to understand how Smart (ToD) meters work and seek clarification on billing, consumption patterns and meter readings.
Officials said complaints related to allegedly excessive electricity bills or suspected meter inaccuracies will also be examined, with technical verification carried out wherever necessary. The initiative, they said, is intended to improve transparency and strengthen consumer confidence through face-to-face engagement.
Camps across Nagpur, Wardha
The awareness camps will be held at all MSEDCL sub-divisions under the Nagpur Circle, covering both urban and rural areas.
In Nagpur city, camps will be organised at key locations, including Mangalwari Complex Chowk (Sadar), Indora Chowk, Gittikhadan Chowk, Gorewada Chowk, Dixit Nagar, Jaripatka, Shankar Nagar Chowk, Pratap Nagar Chowk, Trimurti Nagar Chowk, Variety Square, Chhatrapati Chowk, Besa Chowk, Itwari, Wardhman Nagar, Shantinagar, Pardi, Binaki, Tukdoji Statue (Manewada), Narendra Nagar Chowk, Subhedar Layout, Wathoda, ST Stand Chowk, Ramna Maroti Chowk, Hingna, Butibori, MIDC-I and MIDC-II.
In addition, all 99 branch offices under the Nagpur Rural Circle will host similar camps to ensure consumers in rural areas can also participate.
Over 7.5 lakh smart meters installed
MSEDCL said 7,51,682 Smart (ToD) meters have been installed across the Nagpur Circle so far, including 6,01,862 in Nagpur district and 1,49,820 in Wardha district.
Officials said consumer acceptance has increased steadily as awareness about the technology has grown, with thousands of consumers voluntarily opting for smart meters. Consumers can also monitor their electricity consumption in real time through the Maha Urja Mitra mobile application, helping them track usage and manage power consumption more efficiently.
Official grievance channels
Consumers unable to attend the camps can seek information or lodge complaints through MSEDCL’s official website www.mahadiscom.in, mobile application or the 24-hour toll-free helplines 1912, 19120, 1800-212-3435 and 1800-233-3435.
Reiterating its appeal, MSEDCL urged consumers to ignore misinformation and use official platforms to obtain accurate information and resolve their concerns regarding Smart (ToD) meters.
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