Pune: Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited. (MSEDCL / Mahavitaran) has announced the implementation of Time of Day (TOD) meters for all new electricity connections and replacements of faulty meters.

These advanced digital meters will be provided free of cost to consumers from April 2024 and will enable real-time tracking of electricity usage, allowing consumers to monitor their consumption every minute through mobile updates.

The TOD meters aim to improve billing accuracy by eliminating manual errors that occur due to faulty readings or estimated bills. Consumers will continue to receive monthly postpaid bills, similar to the existing billing system. Mahavitaran has confirmed that the current slab-based tariff structure, where higher consumption results in higher charges, will remain unchanged.

Discounts for Off-Peak Electricity Consumption

Mahavitaran has submitted a tariff proposal to the Electricity Regulatory Commission, which includes a special discount for domestic consumers using electricity between 9 AM and 5 PM. However, to avail of these benefits, a TOD meter is mandatory.

Advantages of TOD Meters for Consumers

The introduction of TOD meters is expected to bring significant improvements to electricity billing and monitoring:

• Real-time mobile updates – Consumers can track their electricity usage every minute.

• More accurate billing – Automatic readings ensure correct charges.

• No extra cost – These meters are provided free of charge.

• Reduced billing errors – Eliminates issues like unreadable meter photos, estimated bills, or manual reading errors.

• Better demand forecasting – Digital tracking helps Mahavitaran optimize electricity supply.

Improved Consumer Experience & Error-Free Billing

Currently, many consumers face issues with unclear meter readings, inaccessible meters, or inaccurate estimated bills. The new TOD meters will automatically record electricity consumption, making billing more precise and transparent. Consumers will be able to verify their real-time usage on their mobile phones, reducing disputes over incorrect charges.

MSEDCL Public Relations Officer, Nishikant Raut, has urged consumers to cooperate with the installation of TOD meters, assuring them that these meters are not prepaid and do not impose any additional financial burden.