Smart meter rollout sparks consumer concerns across Mumbai and Maharashtra

Across Mumbai and Maharashtra electricity distribution companies are replacing conventional digital electricity meters with internetconnected smart meters as part of a nationwide modernisation programmeThe rollout being carried out by utilities including BEST Adani Electricity Tata Power MSEDCL and Torrent Power has triggered growing consumer complaints with residents alleging forced installations lack of prior notice and higher electricity billsPower companies however maintain that smart meters are aimed at improving efficiency reducing losses and giving consumers better control over their electricity consumption midday examines what smart meters are why they are being introduced and why they have become the centre of controversyWhat is a smart meterUnlike conventional electronic meters that record monthly electricity consumption and require manual readings smart meters automatically transmit electricity usage data to the power company through a communication network Consumers can also monitor their electricity consumption in real time through a mobile applicationSmart meter featuresgtgt Automatic meter readingsgtgt Realtime electricity usagegtgt Remote fault detectiongtgt Tamper alertsgtgt Power outage notificationsgtgt Optional prepaid facilityWhy are they being installedThe rollout is part of the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme RDSS launched by the Union Ministry of PowerThe scheme aims to modernise Indiarsquos electricity distribution network improve operational efficiency and reduce transmission and commercial lossesRDSS at a glanceScheme value Rs 303 lakh croreObjectivegtgt Reduce Aggregate Technical and Commercial ATampC losses to 1215gtgt Bridge the gap between electricity supply costs and revenuegtgt Modernise power distribution infrastructureWill consumers have to payNoAccording to power officials consumers are not charged for smart meters The devices remain the property of the electricity distribution companies similar to existing electricity meters Officials say consumers are only expected to cooperate when technicians arrive to replace existing metersWhat changes with TimeofDay tariffElectricity will no longer cost the same throughout the dayConsumers using power during peak evening hours will pay more while those using electricity during offpeak and daytime solar hours will pay lessAccording to officials tariffs may vary by 1020 per cent depending on the time of useHow you could savegtgt Run washing machines during offpeak hoursgtgt Charge electric vehicles during the day or late at nightgtgt Shift other highpower appliances away from evening peak hoursPrepaid Only if you opt for itSmart meters can operate in prepaid mode but consumers will not be shifted automaticallyThe Ministry of Power has clarified that prepaid billing is optional and MSEDCL has informed the Bombay High Court that it will be introduced only for consumers who choose it voluntarilyConsumer concernsgtgt Alleged increase in electricity bills after installationgtgt Replacement of meters without prior noticegtgt Lack of consumer awarenessgtgt Installation without consentgtgt Police assistance during some installationsIn several parts of the country smart meter installations have sparked protestsWhy residents are objectingConsumer groups and residents have raised several concerns over the smart meter rollout Among them aregtgt Bills have allegedly gone up after meter replacementgtgt Meters are being changed without prior noticegtgt Residents are not being told how TimeofDay tariffs workgtgt Some installations are allegedly being carried out without the consumerrsquos consentgtgt In some cases police have reportedly accompanied installation teamsPower companies however maintain that smart meters are part of a nationwide power sector modernisation programme and say the meters do not increase electricity consumptionWhat changes for consumersBeforegtgt Manual meter readingsgtgt Monthly usage recordsgtgt No realtime consumption dataAftergtgt Automatic readingsgtgt Live consumption monitoringgtgt Optional prepaid facilitygtgt TimeofDay billing capabilitylsquoSmart meters are illegalrsquoKamalakar Shenoy consumer activistlsquoSmart meters are illegal lack proper government certification cause inflated bills and pose radiation risks No public awareness programmes have been conducted and consumers have been kept uninformed about the legal implications risks and their rights under the Electricity Act 2003rdquoShenoy said his group has filed court cases against utility companies and regulators alleging fraud and consumer rights violations It has also prepared template letters for consumers seeking to oppose meter replacement and demand conventional metersHe questioned the need for the rollout claiming Maharashtra had already met the RDSS target for reducing distribution losses He also alleged that consumers are not being informed about TimeofDay ToD tariffs and argued that smart meters should be tested certified and sealed by the State Legal Metrology Department He demanded that smart meters installed without due process be removed and conventional meters reinstatedBy the numbers24 croreSmart meters planned across Maharashtra1 croreMeters already installed according to submissions before the Bombay High Court15 croreMeters installed statewide according to recent official updatesWho supplies electricityArea DistributorSouth amp Central Mumbai BESTMumbai suburbs Adani Electricity Tata PowerEastern suburbs beyond Vikhroli MSEDCL Bhiwandi Mumbra Shil Kalwa Torrent PowerWhat is a smart meterUnlike conventional electronic meters that record monthly electricity consumption and require manual readings smart meters automatically transmit electricity usage data to the power company through a communication network Consumers can also monitor their electricity consumption in real time through a mobile applicationSmart meter featuresgtgt Automatic meter readingsgtgt Realtime electricity usagegtgt Remote fault detectiongtgt Tamper alertsgtgt Power outage notificationsgtgt Optional prepaid facility