- Don’t fear Smart Meters: They offer benefits to consumers
Bhopal: In response to a wave of misinformation on social media and in some news outlets, the Madhya Pradesh Central Zone Electricity Distribution Company (MPWZ) has clarified that no court, including the Supreme Court or the Madhya Pradesh High Court, has issued a stay on the installation of smart meters. These reports are entirely false and baseless.
The company stated that the installation of smart meters is a nationwide initiative and consumers cannot refuse them. It also refuted claims that the new meters are inaccurate. Various testing labs have proven that smart meters are not running fast and provide technically sound and accurate readings of electricity consumption.
Positive feedback from consumers
With over 3.5 lakh smart meters already installed, the company is seeing positive results. Consumers in the Guna circle, where meters were installed three months ago, have reported significant benefits. Vishnu Dhakad, a Guna resident, initially feared higher bills but was surprised to see his bill at just ?80. Another consumer, Devidayal, also noted a lower bill this month, stating there have been no issues with the new technology. The real-time data from a dedicated mobile app allows consumers to monitor and control their electricity usage, leading to reduced bills.
Incentives and benefits of Smart Meters
The MPWZ is also offering incentives to encourage smart meter adoption. Consumers with an approved load of up to 10 kilowatts are eligible for a 20% discount on energy charges for electricity consumed during solar hours (9 AM to 5 PM). This benefit has already been seen by consumers like Vijay Shankar of Bhopal, who received a ?29 discount on his July bill, and Mahesh Chandra, who saved ?99.
In addition to these financial benefits, smart meters provide a host of advantages, including accurate billing, real-time consumption data, and the ability to track energy quality, empowering consumers to manage their usage and reduce their environmental footprint. The company emphasized that smart meters are a key step toward a more efficient and transparent energy system.
