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Time of India
08-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Smart meters live but consumers unable to access data in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: Public resistance to Time of Day (ToD) or smart meters is mounting with many complaining of technical glitches. On Thursday, several consumers raised grievances after they were unable to access real-time consumption data despite MSEDCL's claim that smart meters installed in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar have gone new meters were installed as part of central govt's Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS). Tired of too many ads? go ad free now These were expected to update consumers on their real-time energy consumption and analyse power consumption data. A consumer from the N-11 sector said he received a message that read 'no data found' when he tried to access his power consumption trends using the official mobile app of MSEDCL. "The MSEDCL replaced my old meter with a smart meter a few weeks ago. While the new devices are projected as modern ones, these so-called smart meters fail to share hourly, daily and monthly power consumption analysis," he said, preferring to official data, over 56,000 ToD meters have been installed by MSEDCL in the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar zone so far. Leftist leader Abhay Taksal, who has launched a public campaign against the new meter installations, said the unavailability of desired data exposes MSEDCL's tall claims. "The installation of smart meters is a strategy to offer benefits to corporate players at the cost of the interest of consumers. Govt must roll back its plan of replacing existing meters," he contacted, Pawankumar Kachhot, MSEDCL chief engineer of the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar zone, said the private agency concerned was developing a mobile application to access the data concerned. "The mobile application is under development. Once developed and made available to public, consumers will be able to access consumption trends," he told TOI. The MSEDCL top brass said they had no idea why the official mobile app of the state power utility has provided the option of accessing the desired data separately.
Time of India
06-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Over Rs6,235 crore to be spent for installing 51.95L ToD meters in Vid
Nagpur: The Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Ltd (MSEDCL), backed by central govt funds, is all set to spend Rs 6,235 crore for installing around 51.95 lakh Time of Day (ToD) or smart meters in all eleven districts in Vidarbha. The MSEDCL had earlier suggested that they would install smart prepaid meters, but the move attracted opposition and public outcry. After this backlash, the MSEDCL dropped the plan for prepaid meters and introduced the ToD meter plan. However, even though the plan changed, the smart meters remain the same. The MSEDCL, which provides electricity to most of Maharashtra, except for a few areas in Mumbai, has awarded tenders to different companies to supply smart meters. As per MSEDCL sources, the Discom has already started installing smart ToD meters, and in Vidarbha, around 51.95 lakh meters would be installed. "Each meter costs around Rs12,000, including 10 years of annual maintenance from the company which supplied the meters. ToD smart meters provide real-time consumption details to the consumer as well as the Discom. It will stop power theft and manipulation in the current manual billing system, which will reduce Discom's losses exponentially," said sources, adding that around 40% of the cost would be borne by the central govt and 60% by MSEDCL for installing smart meters across the state. This takes the cost of installing 51.95 lakh smart meters in Vidarbha to Rs 6,235 crore. MSEDCL is implementing smart meter installations under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) of the central govt. This initiative aims to modernise the power distribution sector by improving efficiency and accountability. Smart meters are being installed for new connections, faulty meter replacements, and at feeder and distribution transformer levels. As per statistics from MSEDCL, in Nagpur city, 9.45 lakh ToD meters would be installed, while in Nagpur rural, 3.44 lakh meters would be installed. Out of these, 70,000 smart meters have so far been installed in the district by the MSEDCL. "The money for installing smart meters is not paid upfront to the companies; rather, a billing system is in place, and they are paid monthly as per the meters the company has installed," said MSEDCL sources. A senior MSEDCL official said that losses incurred by the company due to power theft and manipulation raise the burden on consumers. "Once the smart meters are installed, the losses would be reduced, and it will benefit the consumers in the end," said the official. After Nagpur, Amravati district will see the highest number of smart meter installations, i.e., 6.32 lakh, followed by Yavatmal with five lakh, Buldhana with 4.67 lakh, and other districts in Vidarbha. VIDARBHA SCENARIO District — Smart Meters Akola — 3.83 lakh Buldhana — 4.67 lakh Washim — 1.92 lakh| Amravati — 6.32 lakh Yavatmal — 5 lakh Chandrapur — 4.14 lakh Gadchiroli — 3.25 lakh Gondia — 2.98 lakh Bhandara — 2.91 lakh Wardha — 3.98 lakh Nagpur City — 9.45 lakh Nagpur Rural — 3.44 lakh
Time of India
04-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
MSEDCL rolls out smart ToD meters for real-time consumption tracking
Nagpur: The Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited ( ) has begun large-scale installation of Time of Day (ToD) meters or smart meters, which it claims is aimed at empowering electricity consumers with real-time usage data and enhanced billing transparency — all at no additional cost. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now MSEDCL sources said that so far, over 70,000 meters have been installed across Nagpur district, with the initiative covering govt offices, semi-govt institutions, official residences, and about 20,000 new consumers. "The project is now expanding to residential consumers in a phased manner," sources said. MSEDCL officials said that these smart meters provide hourly consumption details directly to consumers' mobile phones, enabling better control over power usage and monthly bills. "The meters are postpaid and will be billed as per actual meter readings, eliminating the scope for estimation errors," said the official. According to MSEDCL, the ToD meters were certified by nationally accredited laboratories to ensure accurate billing based on actual usage. "As these meters will reduce commercial losses and electricity theft, consumers will not bear any financial burden," said MSEDCL. However, the installation of ToD or smart meters was opposed by a number of power experts, consumers, and contractual workers who feared their jobs would cease to exist. MSEDCL officials claimed that the opposition is baseless and urged citizens not to fall prey to rumours. The company emphasised that public cooperation is essential for the successful rollout of this technology. While a previous plan to deploy smart meters across Maharashtra was temporarily shelved due to public opposition ahead of state elections, MSEDCL continued its rollout under a Central Govt-funded initiative. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "The smart meters are backed and maintained by contractors for a period of 10 years," said Discom, the electricity distribution company. Each smart meter is connected to MSEDCL's central server via a communication port, enabling real-time data sharing. These smart meters also facilitate remote disconnection for defaulters, saving time and resources previously spent on field visits. Consumers with rooftop solar systems will also benefit, as the new meters provide timely details on the import-export of electricity, ensuring fair and transparent settlements. Benefits of ToD meters * Real-time monitoring: Consumers can monitor electricity usage on an hourly basis on their mobile phones * Transparent billing: As readings are automatic and precise, chances of overbilling or errors are eliminated * Theft detection: Any tampering attempts are instantly reported to MSEDCL, curbing theft * Day-night tariff advantage: The ToD feature enables consumers to benefit from cheaper daytime electricity rates, something old meters cannot offer * Instant compensation: In case of extended power outages, consumers will be eligible for automatic compensation
Time of India
25-04-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Chorus grows against installation of smart meters in Sambhajinagar
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: There has been mounting opposition from certain areas in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar after the MSEDCL started replacing old meters with Time of Day (ToI) meters or smart meters . Leftist politicians accused the BJP and its alliance partners of taking a U-turn in matters related to the smart meters. "Prior to the assembly elections, the BJP assured a stay on installing smart meters, fearing public flak. Now the polls are over, BJP leaders are pushing for the installation of such meters without taking consumers into confidence," said leftist politican Abhay Taksal said. He claimed that the pre-paid meter will burn holes in the pockets of customers. "The present and future govt policies, involving these devices, are private firm-friendly," Taksal said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo Vikas Gaikwad, a consumer leader, said the MSEDCL must replace smart meters installed in some areas at the earliest. "We have planned a mega agitation on May 6 in front of the MSEDCL regional office. A large number of citizens are expected to join the agitation against the smart meters," he said. When contacted, MSEDCL authorities said charges levelled by leftist leaders and others are baseless. "The installation of new meters is a part of the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) of the Centre. It is happening across the country with an aim to modernise the power distribution sector by improving its efficiency and accountability. The scheme is consumer-friendly," a senior MSEDCL official said. Power utility officials categorically debunked claims that existing post-paid meters would be converted into pre-paid meters. "It is false propaganda, and consumers must not believe it," authorities said.
