Government Defends Legal Requirement for Smart Meters Under Central Electricity Act

The Maharashtra electricity minister defended the compulsory installation of smart meters, citing national legislation that makes the practice mandatory for all power distribution companies. She referenced the Central Electricity Act of 2003 and the 2006 regulations issued by the Central Electricity Authority, which together obligate utilities to deploy smart metering technology.

According to official records, nearly 974,000 smart meters have been installed in Pune district alone by June 2026. The minister disclosed that out of 11,770 complaints recorded regarding meter malfunction or unexpected bill increases, only four were substantiated after investigation. She argued that the vast majority of complaints stem from misunderstanding of the new technology rather than actual overcharging.

The minister also highlighted the consumer benefits of smart meters, noting that they enable dynamic pricing that can lower electricity costs during off‑peak hours. She refuted claims that the devices automatically raise bills, emphasizing that they provide real‑time data that helps users monitor consumption more efficiently.

In response to opposition accusations, the minister assured that any genuine grievance will be resolved quickly and reiterated that the current rollout involves regular post‑paid smart meters, which are legally required across the state, unlike the optional prepaid meters previously discussed by the chief minister.