Overview
- Residents in Maharashtra have launched complaints and protests over new smart meters, citing higher bills, lack of accessible reporting for seniors and the differently abled, and worries about data security.
- State energy officials have defended the meters as 15‑minute interval devices that enable near‑real‑time monitoring, faster fault detection and dynamic tariffs while saying existing grievance routes will remain in place.
- West Bengal’s chief minister announced a phased switch to prepaid smart meters and awarded installation and maintenance contracts to four private firms, a move reported on July 22 that advances deployment despite earlier rollbacks.
- Activists have escalated legal pressure by filing notices over radio‑frequency health risks and the e‑waste the devices could produce, and consumer groups are demanding independent meter testing and clearer billing transparency.
- Policy watchers say the dispute will hinge on regulator action and legal safeguards—utilities must follow the 15‑day written notice rule for disconnections under Section 56 and consumers can appeal to state forums and the electricity tribunal.