Even as the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company (MSEDCL) aka Mahavitaran is preparing to install smart prepaid meters in Pune and across Maharashtra in the coming days, the company has asked for an ‘automatic power disconnection facility’ in these meters for consumers who fail to pay electricity bills on time.
Rajendra Pawar, chief engineer, MSEDCL, Pune Circle, said, “Currently, our men visit consumers’ homes and note down meter readings. We also disconnect the power manually if the consumer fails to pay the bill in time. During manual disconnection of power however, there is manhandling by Mahavitaran officials and sometimes, people thrash them. To avoid all these things, we have suggested and also demanded that an automatic power disconnection facility be provided in these meters from the main office.”
