Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) has installed more than 11.49 lakh smart Time-of-Day (TOD) meters across Kolhapur and Sangli districts, with officials claiming that billing complaints in fully covered subdivisions have become almost negligible.
According to MSEDCL’s Kolhapur Circle Chief Engineer Swapnil Katkar, a total of 11,49,798 smart TOD meters have been installed so far in the Kolhapur circle, including 7,08,664 meters in Kolhapur district and 4,41,134 in Sangli district.
The utility has appealed to remaining electricity consumers to cooperate in the installation of smart meters, stating that the new system offers accurate billing and multiple consumer benefits.
In Kolhapur district, smart TOD meters have been installed for 6,35,057 low-tension consumers and 1,124 high-tension consumers. The installations also cover new electricity connections, power lines, distribution transformers, reconnections and power generation units.
Similarly, in Sangli district, the utility has installed smart meters for 3,91,246 low-tension consumers and 699 high-tension consumers, along with other electricity infrastructure and new connections.
MSEDCL said three subdivisions in Kolhapur district — Nesari, Panhala and the Market Yard area in Kolhapur city — have achieved 100% smart meter coverage. Officials said billing-related complaints in these areas have reduced significantly after the rollout.
The company also highlighted financial benefits under the TOD system. Consumers using electricity between 9 am and 5 pm are currently receiving a concession of 85 paise per unit during the ongoing financial year.
According to MSEDCL, consumers using smart TOD meters in Kolhapur and Sangli districts have received TOD rebates worth Rs 6.41 crore over the past nine months through reductions in their monthly electricity bills.
The utility clarified that electricity meters are the property of MSEDCL and the company has the legal authority to install or replace them as required. Officials said prior consumer permission is not mandatory for meter replacement under the Electricity Act 2003 and Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission regulations.
MSEDCL added that smart meters are being installed free of cost and allow consumers to monitor hourly electricity consumption through the company’s mobile application, improving transparency and helping users manage electricity usage more efficiently.
The company urged all consumers to support the smart meter installation programme.
