Nagpur: In a period marked by rising inflation, domestic electricity consumers in Nagpur and Wardha districts are seeing tangible financial relief through Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited’s Smart Time of Day (TOD) meter initiative. Over the past seven months, households in the Nagpur Circle have collectively saved ₹3.11 crore on electricity bills due to the use of these advanced meters.
Under this scheme, consumers using electricity between 9 am and 5 pm receive a direct discount of 80 paise per unit. From July 2025 to January 2026, as many as 2,81,288 domestic consumers in Nagpur district saved ₹2.79 crore, while 57,901 consumers in Wardha district benefited to the tune of ₹32.92 lakh. Around five lakh households across the Nagpur Circle have already been fitted with Smart TOD meters, and the remaining eligible consumers are expected to receive them soon as per their billing cycles.
Officials said the scheme is closely linked to the increasing availability of solar power, which is cheaper during daytime hours compared to conventional energy sources. To ensure that this cost advantage reaches consumers directly, Mahavitaran introduced TOD-based billing through smart meters. As per the tariff order of the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission, the current discount of 80 paise per unit is likely to be increased to ₹1 per unit in the near future. However, installation of a Smart TOD meter is technically mandatory to avail this benefit.
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Mahavitaran has also enabled consumers to monitor their electricity usage in real time through its mobile application. Customers can track hourly, daily, and weekly consumption, making it easier to plan usage and reduce bills.
Meanwhile, the utility has expressed concern over misinformation being spread in certain areas regarding smart meters. Addressing these claims, Nagpur Circle Chief Engineer Dilip Dodke clarified that the installation of smart meters is completely free of cost. “Mahavitaran does not charge consumers for installing smart meters. Claims that these meters increase electricity bills are entirely false. On the contrary, they provide more accurate readings and greater transparency,” he said.
Mahavitaran has urged consumers not to fall prey to misleading information on social media and to cooperate in the installation of Smart TOD meters to maximize savings and benefit from cheaper daytime electricity.
