Amid confusion over the statewide smart meter rollout, Mahavitaran has clarified that smart meters will not make electricity connections prepaid. Chief Engineer Rajesh Naik said billing will remain postpaid, unchanged from the current system, adding that meters will give consumers real-time data on usage and billing, aiding energy savings and transparency.
Meanwhile, the Akhil Bharatiya Grahak Panchayat raised objections to 24-hour ultimatum notices being sent to consumers for meter installation, saying the threatening tone around disconnection was creating fear, and demanded the practice stop immediately. A delegation met Naik to press the issue.
Naik said smart meters would also help curb electricity theft, with strict action promised against staff found complicit. He urged consumers to rely on official information rather than rumours, and said Mahavitaran would organize awareness drives and demonstrations, including on consumer request. He also noted that faulty home earthing or wiring — not just smart meters — could be behind rising bills for solar users.
The Grahak Panchayat’s delegation, including national member Gajanan Pande and other office-bearers, demanded direct consumer engagement, wider awareness, and no coercion during installation.
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