Change in customer behavior due to habitual patterns Mumbai: Mahavitaran has commenced the mandatory implementation of 'Prepaid Smart Meters' for its approximately 17.1 million customers. Senior officials disclosed to Loksatta on Tuesday that a significant decision was made to switch from 'prepaid' to 'postpaid' payment meters in response to strong opposition.
Nonetheless, it has been clarified that the 'smart meter' remains obligatory, and customers will transition to prepaid after acclimating to the system and post-elections. Opposition arose when the installation of prepaid smart meters began in Nagpur and Wardha areas of Vidarbha, leading to resistance from various organizations and citizens. In certain locations, protests are being organized.
The enforcement immediately following the Lok Sabha elections escalated the discontent. Concerns have been raised within the ruling party regarding potential implications on the upcoming October assembly elections. Consequently, numerous leaders and stakeholders have urged Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to intervene. Mahavitraan has currently opted to retain the postpaid billing system by installing smart meters and gradually shifting to a prepaid model once customers adjust.
This underscores the continued necessity of smart meters. Pratap Hogade, president of the Maharashtra Electricity Consumers Association, has emphasized that consumers do not require smart meters. Why is the 'smart meter' mandatory? The Central Government's Rural Electrification Corporation (REC) and Power Finance Corporation (PFC) have granted loans of approximately Rs.26,000 crores to 'Mahavitran' and Rs.4,000 crores to 'BEST', with the condition of installing prepaid smart meters as part of the loan terms.
Consequently, customers of Mahavitran and BEST are obligated to adopt prepaid smart meters, whereas those of Adani and Tata electricity companies are not. Some states like West Bengal and Kerala have declined loans, there by avoiding the imposition on consumers. Opposition to prepaid smart meters is also evident in BJP-governed states such as Uttar Pradesh.
The 'smart meter' is deemed essential for providing customers with transparent and accurate services. Initially, Smart Meters will operate on a postpaid basis for Mahavitran customers until they are familiar with the new technology. The integration of modern technology will prioritize customer comfort.
Vishwas Pathak, Independent Director, Maha distribution It is unjust to differentiate between consumers of government, semi-government, and private electricity companies, depriving consumers of the choice between prepaid and postpaid services due to central loans. The State Electricity Regulatory Commission must address this issue. - Ashok Pendse, Electricity Expert.