Smart meter complaints driven by myths, higher summer power use: Maharashtra minister

Minister of State for Energy Meghna Bordikar. Pics/By Special Arrangement

Minister of State for Energy Meghna Bordikar says allegations linking smart meters to higher electricity bills are largely driven by increased summer consumption and misconceptions about billing. In an interview with mid-day, she addresses complaints over faulty meters, mandatory installation, time-of-day tariffs and the state's target of completing the rollout by December 2026.

Excerpts from the interview.

Consumers have alleged that their electricity bills have shot up after smart meters were installed. Are the two connected?
The issue of allegedly inflated electricity bills is not linked to the installation of smart meters. We have studied this in detail. I had asked my office to compile samples of such bills, although I don't have them with me at the moment.

Consumers who have complaints should first compare their current meter readings and electricity consumption with previous years. The data is available online. In most cases, we are looking at summer months, when electricity usage naturally rises. Once consumption crosses 300 units, the per-unit tariff increases significantly.

Earlier, consumers blamed the average billing system. This year, smart meters are being blamed. The billing mechanism itself has not changed.

Electricity tariffs are determined by the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission. The government cannot arbitrarily alter bills or pricing. Every bill is calculated according to the approved tariff structure and actual consumption.

But there are case studies among users that point to many discrepancies. [mid-day explained the case studies we have gathered on the ground]?
We have received over four lakh complaints relating to faulty readings, fast meters and technical issues. Every complaint has been examined.

Wherever necessary, we installed a check meter alongside the smart meter to verify readings. In cases where faults were found, corrective action was taken. However, such cases are relatively rare.

There are several case studies in rural areas I have observed myself:

>> In some villages, records show far fewer registered meters than households, indicating possible electricity theft or unauthorised connections. Smart meters improve transparency and help immediately detect such irregularities.

>> Earlier, consumers often complained about manual meter readers recording incorrect readings. Smart meters eliminate manual intervention and greatly reduce the scope for human error.

>> We have found cases where electric water pumps were left running overnight or appliances such as geysers and air conditioners remained switched on, leading to unexpectedly high consumption.

>> Even in areas where subsidised or free electricity is provided, smart meters help identify misuse and improve accountability.

>> Smart meters are not limited to households. They are also being installed at substations to monitor distribution losses and electricity theft across the network.

Some consumers allege that smart meters are being installed without their consent and that they are being forced to accept them. What is your response?
That is not true. We are not forcing anyone or misusing the law. There is no coercion.

In cases where consumers oppose replacing their existing meter, officials counsel them and explain the purpose of the installation. We do not use force.

However, it is incorrect to say that smart meters are optional. Existing electricity meters will eventually be replaced with smart meters.

Consumers receive SMS alerts about 15 days before installation. In urban areas, letters are sent to housing societies informing residents about the schedule. In semi-urban and rural areas, we coordinate with district collectors and tehsildars to spread awareness.

When will Maharashtra complete the smart meter rollout?
Around 60 per cent of electricity meters in Maharashtra have already been replaced with smart meters. Resistance has been observed in only about 10 per cent of installations. We expect 100 per cent of the rollout to be completed by December 2026.

Why are time-of-day (TOD) tariffs necessary?
Time-of-day tariffs encourage consumers to use electricity when renewable energy generation is highest.

If electricity is consumed between 9 am and 5 pm, when solar power generation peaks, consumers are charged lower rates.

This is part of India's transition towards clean energy under the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Becoming a developed nation also requires changes in consumption behaviour.

Q. What are the key benefits of smart meters?
>> Greater transparency in electricity consumption
>> Accurate billing based on actual usage
>> Elimination of manual meter-reading errors
>> Better detection of electricity theft and distribution losses
>> Improved monitoring of the power distribution network