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Smart Meters Optional; Consumers Have Full Freedom to Choose Prepaid or Postpaid – Mahavitaran Tells Court
Nagpur: Mahavitaran clarified before the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court that the smart meter installation process currently underway in the state is for postpaid meters. The decision on whether to install a prepaid smart meter rests entirely with the consumers; both options are available to them.
A hearing regarding the petition filed by Prashant Daryapurkar, President of the Vidarbha Electricity Consumers Association, took place on Wednesday before the bench comprising Justice Anil Kilor and Justice Raj Wajkode. The petitioner had alleged that messages sent by Mahavitaran—stating that a smart meter would be installed within 48 hours—had created an atmosphere of fear among consumers.
What did the Court ask?
Noting Mahavitaran's stance, the Court observed that the company had already clarified that prepaid meters are not mandatory and that consumers have the freedom to choose regarding smart meter installation. The Court directed that the provisions in the Electricity Act regarding consumer choice be clarified. An affidavit regarding this matter must be submitted by next Monday.
Background
Under the Central Government's Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme, the goal is to replace 25 crore traditional meters with smart meters across the country. Initially, there was an attempt to make prepaid smart meters mandatory, but the Central Electricity Authority removed this compulsion in 2026. Now, both prepaid and postpaid options are available.
Mahavitaran's clarification is likely to bring relief to consumers. The next hearing on the petition is scheduled for Monday.
Nagpur: Mahavitaran clarified before the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court that the smart meter installation process currently underway in the state is for postpaid meters. The decision on whether to install a prepaid smart meter rests entirely with the consumers; both options are available to them.
A hearing regarding the petition filed by Prashant Daryapurkar, President of the Vidarbha Electricity Consumers Association, took place on Wednesday before the bench comprising Justice Anil Kilor and Justice Raj Wajkode. The petitioner had alleged that messages sent by Mahavitaran—stating that a smart meter would be installed within 48 hours—had created an atmosphere of fear among consumers.
What did the Court ask?
Noting Mahavitaran's stance, the Court observed that the company had already clarified that prepaid meters are not mandatory and that consumers have the freedom to choose regarding smart meter installation. The Court directed that the provisions in the Electricity Act regarding consumer choice be clarified. An affidavit regarding this matter must be submitted by next Monday.
Background
Under the Central Government's Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme, the goal is to replace 25 crore traditional meters with smart meters across the country. Initially, there was an attempt to make prepaid smart meters mandatory, but the Central Electricity Authority removed this compulsion in 2026. Now, both prepaid and postpaid options are available.
Mahavitaran's clarification is likely to bring relief to consumers. The next hearing on the petition is scheduled for Monday.
A hearing regarding the petition filed by Prashant Daryapurkar, President of the Vidarbha Electricity Consumers Association, took place on Wednesday before the bench comprising Justice Anil Kilor and Justice Raj Wajkode. The petitioner had alleged that messages sent by Mahavitaran—stating that a smart meter would be installed within 48 hours—had created an atmosphere of fear among consumers.
What did the Court ask?
Noting Mahavitaran's stance, the Court observed that the company had already clarified that prepaid meters are not mandatory and that consumers have the freedom to choose regarding smart meter installation. The Court directed that the provisions in the Electricity Act regarding consumer choice be clarified. An affidavit regarding this matter must be submitted by next Monday.
Background
Under the Central Government's Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme, the goal is to replace 25 crore traditional meters with smart meters across the country. Initially, there was an attempt to make prepaid smart meters mandatory, but the Central Electricity Authority removed this compulsion in 2026. Now, both prepaid and postpaid options are available.
Mahavitaran's clarification is likely to bring relief to consumers. The next hearing on the petition is scheduled for Monday.
