Archive · 23 Jul 2026
Maharashtra's Smart Meter Rollout Faces Consumer Backlash
Maharashtra is installing smart meters to modernize electricity distribution.
However, many residents are upset because they feel the meters are being installed without their permission and are causing higher electricity bills.
Some people think the new meters are unfair and want the old ones back.
The government says the new meters are legal and that higher bills might be because the old meters were broken.
They also offer discounts for using electricity during the day.
Some people are worried about privacy and the possibility of being forced to use prepaid billing, but the government says prepaid billing is optional.
Maharashtra has installed over 1.5 crore smart meters, facing backlash from residents over forced installations and higher bills.
Consumers allege lack of consent and sufficient notice before installations, citing the Electricity Act, 2003.
Residents report sharply higher bills after smart meter installations, demanding investigations and restoration of old meters.
Government rejects overcharging claims, stating higher readings may reflect replacement of defective conventional meters.
Prepaid billing remains voluntary, but consumer groups express concerns over privacy and the digital divide.
- Who
- Residents of Maharashtra, including Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, and MMR regions
- What
- Consumer backlash against smart meter installations
- When
- July 23, 2026
- Where
- Maharashtra, India
- Why
- Concerns over forced installations, higher bills, and privacy issues
Consumer Concerns
Government and Utility Companies
Consent and Notice
Consumer Concerns
Consumers allege meters are installed without explicit written consent or sufficient notice.
Government and Utility Companies
Utilities describe installation messages as courtesy notices before brief power interruptions.
Billing Accuracy
Consumer Concerns
Residents report sharply higher bills and demand investigations, restoration of old meters.
Government and Utility Companies
Government claims higher readings may reflect replacement of defective conventional meters.
Prepaid Billing
Consumer Concerns
Consumer groups fear automatic activation of prepaid functionality and privacy concerns.
Government and Utility Companies
Government assures prepaid billing remains voluntary and not automatically activated.
- Total Smart Meters Installed
- 1.5 crore
- Total Complaints Received
- 3.92 lakh
- Percentage of Complaints
- 4%
- Daytime Solar Discount
- 85 paise per unit
- Funds for Distribution-Box Maintenance
- ₹120 crore
- Funds for Underground Cables
- ₹1,100 crore