WhatsApp from MSEDCL: Smart Meter Installation Within 48 Hours; Understand the Message and Smart Meters

Many electricity consumers have received this alarming WhatsApp message from MSEDCL saying your meter will be replaced by a smart meter within 48 hours of the receipt of this message. This has caused mixed reactions within the society with some consumers panicking over the notification.

Here is what this message means and how smart meters are different from conventional electricity meters.

A smart meter is an online electricity metering device that can send the consumption data to MSEDCL in real time, unlike the old analog meters that required manual readings to be taken by MSEDCL meter readers, sometimes leading to disputes and delays.

Benefits of Smart Meter

• No Manual Meter Reading Required – The smart meter transmits consumption data wirelessly to the service provider.
• The consumers can track in real time the electricity consumption and take appropriate steps to optimize their expenses.
• In case on non-payment of bills, MSEDCL can disconnect electricity supply to the consumer without the need for physically severing the connection. Even for reconnection, the consumers don’t have to wait for the lineman to visit and restore their electricity connection.
• Smart meter can hep consumers take advantage of discounted electricity rates between 9 am to 5 pm.

What Does the 48-Hour Notice Message Mean

This is an intimation that a lineman will visit your premises and replace your old meter with the new smart electricity meter. Further it clarifies:

• An authorized contractor or an MSEDCL employee will visit your premises within the next 2 days to install the smart meter.
• The replacement will be free of charge and the consumer does not have to pay for anything.
• During the replacement process, there could a disruption in the electricity supply for 15-20 minutes to facilitate the meter replacement.

How Smart Meter is Different From Conventional Meter

• The smart meter records the consumption reading in real time without the need for a meter reader to physically take the reading.
• Reading Accuracy – Smart meter eliminates the possibility of erroneous readings which are possible in conventional meters due to human input.
• Consumption Management – Instead of getting a shock of inflated bills due to increased electricity consumption, consumers can track their consumption real time and plan accordingly to get expected electricity bills.

Will My Electricity Bill Increase?

Though the smart meter does not alter the readings or per unit rate, their could be a change in your electricity bill if:

• The old meter was not functioning properly and you were being under-billed.
• If there were errors in meter reading from the conventional electricity meters.

Benefits to Consumers

During the hours when solar electricity is produced in solar farms, consumers get a rebate of 85 paise per unit. Smart meter consumers can plan to use heavy appliances like washing machines, water pumps and other appliances during this duration to save on electricity bills. This segregation of consumption trends was not possible in conventional meters.

What Should You Do If You Received this Message

If you have received this message from MSEDCL, please ensure the following:

• Note the time and date of installation and be available at that time.
• Keep the meter accessible, remove any locks from the meter box and meter area, otherwise be present to provide access to the meter box.
• Ask for the ID of the government employee or the authorized contractor who visits to replace the meter.
• After installation, take a photo of the reading in the old meter and the new meter and keep it for reference in case of any billing discrepancy due to transition.
• Install the MSEDCL app and start monitoring the real time consumption by visiting consumer analytics section in the app and selecting the concerned meter.

For more information, please contact MSEDCL customer care at 1912 or 1800-212-3435 or visit their official website.