Nagpur: The Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) has clarified that consumer consent is not required before replacing existing electricity meters with smart meters. The clarification has come through a reply under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, which has now been submitted before the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court in the ongoing Public Interest Litigation (PIL) on smart meters.
The RTI response, obtained by an intervenor in the case, states that MSEDCL has no Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) directing contractors to seek permission from consumers before installing smart meters. The power utility said replacing existing meters is within its authority and is being carried out under the Union Ministry of Power’s February 25, 2021 guidelines.
The reply also reveals that although smart meters are being installed across Maharashtra, the system is not yet fully operational. At present, electricity readings are being collected through both manual and automated methods, as the infrastructure for complete remote meter reading is still under development.
According to the documents submitted, MSEDCL has instructed its contractor, Monte Carlo Ltd, to complete smart meter installation across the state by June 2026 under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS).
Internal review meetings also highlighted connectivity issues affecting remote meter readings. Officials have directed the contractor to resolve these problems so that consumers receive accurate bills based on smart meter readings, eliminating the need for average billing after installation.
