CM Fadnavis Confirms 10% Discount on Electricity Bill for Those Using Smart Meters; Clarifies Confusion Between Prepaid and Postpaid Smart Meters
Mumbai, July 09, 2025: In a major push for efficient and transparent electricity distribution, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced the state’s decision to install smart post-paid meters for consumers, offering a 10% discount on electricity used during solar hours. The move aims to modernize power infrastructure while promoting renewable energy adoption.
Smart Meters for Accurate Billing & Solar Incentives
Fadnavis informed the Legislative Council that 27,826 feeder meters and 38 lakh consumer meters have already been installed under the initiative. The smart meters ensure automated, precise billing, eliminating discrepancies and unnecessary bill hikes.
A key highlight is the 10% discount on electricity consumed during ‘Solar Hours’, encouraging users to shift consumption to daylight hours when solar power is abundant. This not only benefits consumers but also supports Maharashtra’s green energy goals.
Voluntary Adoption & Cost Benefits
The CM clarified that smart meter installation is optional, allowing consumers to opt in voluntarily. He emphasized that Maharashtra’s electricity rates are already lower than most states, and the new system will further enhance transparency.
The project, backed by ₹29,000 crore in central funding, has awarded contracts to four companies following a tender process. This aligns with a nationwide shift toward smart metering for efficient power management.
Answering a query regarding state government’s decision to not go for smart meters in the past, he clarified that the state government government decided not to go ahead only for prepaid smart meters. Postpaid smart electricity meters are being installed for those who voluntarily want to make the switch.
Electricity consumers using smart post-paid meters will get a 10% discount on power used during ‘Solar Hours’, as per the new tariff order…
— Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) July 9, 2025
वीजेचे स्मार्ट पोस्टपेड मीटर लावणाऱ्या ग्राहकांना नव्या टॅरिफ ऑर्डरनुसार 'सोलर अवर्स'मध्ये वापरलेल्या वीजबिलावर 10% सवलत…
(विधानपरिषद,… pic.twitter.com/ILxAzHnabC
Special Focus on Tribal & Forest-Dwelling Consumers
Fadnavis also addressed power supply challenges for tribal (Koliwade) and forest-dwelling communities, stating that a joint departmental plan will be drafted and presented before the court to ensure equitable electricity access.
The announcement came in response to a query by Legislative Council member Milind Narvekar, who raised concerns about power distribution efficiency.
Key Takeaways:
✅ 10% discount on electricity used during solar hours
✅ 27,826 feeder meters & 38 lakh consumer meters installed
✅ Voluntary adoption—no forced installation
✅ Lower bills with automated, error-free billing
✅ Special plan for tribal and forest-area consumers
With this move, Maharashtra takes a significant step toward sustainable energy use and consumer-friendly power reforms.
