Clarifying the controversy surrounding smart electricity meter deployment in Maharashtra, Minister of State for Power Meghna Sakore Bordikar informed the State Assembly that installing these meters is a legal requirement under Central regulations. She emphasized the need to avoid creating unnecessary panic or misunderstandings among consumers about inflated billing. The issue was brought up during a Calling Attention Motion by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Bhimrao Tapkir, focusing on frequent power outages and smart meter issues in Pune.
Opposition and ruling alliance lawmakers, including Chetan Tupe, Nilesh Rane, and Nana Patole, criticized the MahaYuti government, alleging a surge in electricity bills that led to public discontent after the smart meters’ installation. Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MLA Chetan Tupe claimed that electricity bills had almost tripled post the smart meters’ installation, questioning the accuracy of the meters and consumers’ right to choose their meters.
Congress legislator Nana Patole accused a collusion with major corporations, highlighting the outsourcing of installation to a private corporation and the resultant financial burden on households. He raised concerns about the lack of transparency and consumer choice in the process. Shiv Sena MLA Nilesh Rane warned of escalating tensions in rural areas due to the smart meter conflict, urging the government to halt the rollout and address the underlying issues.
Minister Bordikar refuted the Opposition’s allegations with data, citing the legal mandate for smart meter installation under the Central Electricity Act of 2003 and the Central Electricity Authority (Installation and Operation of Meters) Regulations, 2006. She clarified that out of nearly 9.74 lakh meters installed in Pune, only a minimal number of complaints were found to be valid after thorough checks. The Minister emphasized that smart meters do not inherently increase electricity bills and can actually benefit consumers with lower tariffs during specific hours.
Addressing concerns raised by Nana Patole regarding Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’ previous statement on optional smart meters, Minister Bordikar explained the distinction between prepaid and post-paid smart meters. She clarified that the ongoing rollout involves mandatory post-paid smart meters, as per legal requirements for all power distribution companies. The Minister assured prompt resolution of any legitimate consumer grievances.
