Pune: Why Are Electricity Bills Rising After Smart Meter Installation? Consumers Seek Answers
Reported by Sneha Deb
Bavdhan, 3rd July 2026: As the rollout of smart electricity meters continues across Maharashtra, a growing number of consumers are raising concerns over what they describe as unexplained increases in their electricity bills. Across social media platforms, consumer forums and online complaint portals, residents have been sharing similar experiences, alleging that their monthly power consumption has nearly doubled after the installation of smart meters despite no significant change in their electricity usage.
Several consumers claim that households using the same appliances and maintaining the same daily routine are now receiving substantially higher bills than before. These concerns have triggered widespread discussion online, with many calling for independent verification of smart meters and greater transparency in the billing process.
One such consumer is Krishnan, a resident of Shinde Nagar in Bavdhan, Pune. A retired pensioner, Krishnan says he relies primarily on his monthly pension to meet household expenses. According to him, his electricity consumption had remained relatively stable for years. However, after a smart meter was installed at his residence, he noticed a significant increase in the number of units recorded on his monthly bills.
“I haven’t purchased any new electrical appliances or changed my daily electricity usage, yet my bill has increased considerably,” Krishnan said.
Concerned by the sudden rise in recorded consumption, he submitted a formal complaint to the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL), requesting an inspection of the meter and verification of its readings. He says he also visited the local electricity office several times seeking an explanation.
Despite his repeated efforts, Krishnan alleges that he has not received a satisfactory response or resolution.
“I only wanted someone to check whether the meter was functioning correctly and explain why my consumption had increased so much,” he said. “As someone living on a pension, every additional expense matters.”
Krishnan’s case is not an isolated one. A review of posts on consumer forums and social media platforms shows that several residents from different parts of the country have shared similar concerns. Many users claim their electricity bills increased soon after smart meters were installed, even though their household consumption patterns remained unchanged. However, these accounts represent individual consumer experiences and have not been independently verified. The reasons for higher bills may differ from one case to another.
Smart meters are being introduced across India as part of the Government of India’s power sector modernisation initiatives. Unlike conventional electricity meters, smart meters transmit consumption data digitally, enabling real-time monitoring, remote meter reading and faster billing. Authorities say the technology is designed to improve billing accuracy, reduce transmission losses and eliminate the need for manual meter readings.
Consumer groups, however, argue that reports of unexpected spikes in electricity consumption should be addressed promptly through technical inspections and transparent communication. They say timely grievance redressal is essential to maintaining public confidence in the transition to smart metering.
Editor’s note: This report is based on consumer complaints and publicly available online posts. The reported increase in electricity bills has not been independently verified by Punekar News. MSEDCL’s response to these allegations should be included to provide readers with the utility’s explanation and ensure balanced coverage.
