Lokmat News Network
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
The hassle of calling to register complaints during power outages may soon end. With a software update underway, smart meters will directly alert the Maharashtra state electricity distribution company limited (MSEDCL) control room whenever electricity supply is disrupted in a particular area.
While 70 to 90 per cent smart meters have been installed in several cities across the state, only 32 per cent have been installed so far in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.
Superintending engineer of MSEDCL’s city circle, Manish Thakare, informed the media that smart meters do not generate inflated bills. However, if old meters were running slow or had been tampered with, higher bills may be noticed after replacement. Installation of smart meters is mandatory nationwide, and citizens have been urged to cooperate. Executive engineer Prasad Mahatole and other officials were present.
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95% consumers on online reading
Around 95 per cent of consumers with smart meters receive readings online. Due to network range issues, 5 per cent still require manual readings. After the software update, smart meters will also help detect transformer overload, low voltage supply, and outages.
Smart meters tested before installation
All smart meters are tested in MSEDCL’s testing department before installation. Only meters that pass advanced technical checks are installed for consumers.
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City data
• Total electricity consumers: 3,62,027
• Consumers with smart meters: 1,15,295
• Yet to receive smart meters: 2,46,732
Photo Caption: Smart meters being tested at the MSEDCL office before installation.