Smart TOD meters save Nagpur, Wardha consumers Rs 10.37 crore in seven months

Domestic consumers in Nagpur and Wardha districts have saved more than Rs 10.37 crore in just seven months through Mahavitaran's smart TOD (Time of Day) meters. Consumers get a direct rebate on their bills for using electricity at the right time, and more of them appear to be turning to smart meters and their benefits.

Mahavitaran is giving domestic consumers with smart TOD meters a rebate of 85 paise per unit on electricity used between 9 am and 5 pm. In the seven months from April to October, consumers in Nagpur district saved Rs 8.86 crore, while those in Wardha district gained Rs 1.51 crore, taking the total for the two districts to Rs 10.37 crore. Mahavitaran said the number of consumers availing of the rebate is rising every month.

The October figures also show the rebate is being used on a large scale. In that one month alone, 5,01,572 consumers in Nagpur and Wardha districts received rebates totalling Rs 1.44 crore. The information was given by Yogesh Vitankar, Deputy Chief Public Relations Officer of Mahavitaran.

Under an order of the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission, the current rebate of 85 paise per unit could rise to Rs 1 in the near future. If that happens, consumers could benefit further, and the advantage of smart meters is expected to grow once the Re 1 per unit rebate comes into force.

In some areas, smart meters had been opposed on the basis of misunderstandings. The administration says consumers' attitude is changing now that the savings from the meters have come to light. Mahavitaran Chief Engineer Rajesh Naik has appealed to consumers to understand the facts about smart meters. Mahavitaran charges nothing for installing a smart meter, and the entire process is completely free.

Consumers can also see their electricity consumption by the hour and by the day on Mahavitaran's mobile app. This shows how much power is used at what time, and consumers can plan their usage accordingly.