Empowering consumers to control electricity costs

In a significant move to empower electricity consumers and grant them more control over their electricity costs, Mahavitaran has introduced prepaid smart meters across the state. These meters, set to become operational in a phased manner within a few months, will offer consumers the flexibility to manage their electricity expenses according to their preferences.

The initiative, championed by Deputy Chief Minister and Energy Minister Devendra Fadnavis, highlights a commitment to providing high-quality and customer-centric service to electricity consumers. Mahavitraan, the state's electricity distribution company, has embarked on this pivotal step to install prepaid smart meters, which promise to revolutionize the way consumers interact with and pay for electricity.

Key Highlights of the Prepaid Smart Meters:

1. Replacement of traditional meters: The existing conventional meters, used by 2.41 crore consumers of Mahavitaran in the state, will be phased out in favor of prepaid smart meters.

2. Pay-as-you-go electricity: With the installation of smart meters, electricity consumers will be able to use power in a manner akin to mobile phone usage. This means they can decide how much to spend on electricity and closely monitor their consumption.

3. Real-time consumption information: Smart meters will provide customers with regular updates on their electricity consumption via their mobile devices. This real-time data allows customers to understand how much electricity they have used and how much remains based on their financial planning.

4. Cost coverage: The best part is that customers will receive these new prepaid smart meters for free, with the costs being met through subsidies from the central government and Mahavitaran.

5. No more bill surprises: The current system involves monthly meter readings, leading to unforeseen, sometimes substantial bills if a customer exceeds their usual consumption. The prepaid smart meters mitigate this issue by allowing consumers to pay in advance, enabling better control of electricity expenditures.

Avoiding sudden power cuts:

When a prepaid smart meter's balance is depleted, electricity supply will be temporarily interrupted. However, thanks to real-time information on mobile devices, customers can easily top up their accounts, even from the comfort of their homes, using online payment methods. Additionally, the system sends notifications to the customer's mobile phone when the balance is low. To avoid sudden power cuts, customers will have the flexibility to make payments until 10 am the following day to continue their electricity supply. Once the balance is exhausted, the meter will deduct the amount used accordingly.

“In an era of technological advancement, the introduction of prepaid smart meters promises to revolutionize the consumer experience, enhance financial planning, and improve electricity cost management for consumers across the state”, said an official from Mahavitaran.