Nagpur: In a major relief for domestic electricity consumers amid rising inflation, Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL), popularly known as Mahavitaran, has enabled savings of over ₹3.11 crore in power bills through its ‘Smart Time of Day (TOD)’ meters across the Nagpur region.
According to official data, domestic consumers in Nagpur and Wardha districts have collectively saved ₹3,11,95,452 over the past seven months owing to the installation of these advanced meters. The initiative, which promotes electricity usage during daytime hours, is being credited for optimizing the use of affordable solar power and reducing the overall billing burden on households.
Daytime Usage Proves Beneficial
Under the special scheme implemented by Mahavitaran, consumers using electricity between 9 am and 5 pm are offered a direct rebate of 80 paise per unit. Between July 2025 and January 2026, around 2,81,288 domestic consumers in Nagpur district saved ₹2,79,03,397, while 57,901 consumers in Wardha district benefited to the tune of ₹32,92,054.
Nearly five lakh domestic consumers across the Nagpur region have already been equipped with Smart TOD meters. The remaining consumers are expected to receive the benefit gradually, in accordance with their respective billing cycles.
Solar Power at the Core
The scheme leverages the increased availability of solar energy during daytime hours, which is significantly cheaper compared to conventional power sources. By encouraging consumers to shift high-consumption activities to daytime, Mahavitaran ensures that the cost advantage of solar power is directly passed on to households.
As per the tariff determination order issued by the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission, the current rebate of 80 paise per unit may soon be increased to ₹1 per unit. However, installation of a Smart TOD meter at the consumer’s premises is technically mandatory to avail of this benefit.
To ensure transparency and build public confidence, Mahavitaran initiated the rollout of these meters in its own offices and staff colonies before extending the scheme to the wider public.
Real-Time Monitoring via Mobile App
Consumers can now monitor their electricity consumption in real time through Mahavitaran’s mobile application. The app enables users to track hourly, daily, and weekly usage patterns, empowering them to better plan their consumption and achieve additional savings.
Appeal Against Misinformation
Amid reports of misinformation and deliberate rumours regarding Smart meters in certain areas, Chief Engineer of the Nagpur region, Dilip Dodke, has appealed to consumers to rely on verified information. He clarified that no charges are being levied for the installation of Smart TOD meters and the process is entirely free of cost.
Dodke also dismissed claims that smart meters lead to inflated bills, stating that the devices ensure more accurate readings and greater transparency in billing.
Mahavitaran has urged consumers not to fall prey to misleading social media campaigns and to cooperate in the installation process to maximize the available rebate and long-term savings.
