Consumer body requests users to install Time of Day meters to gain from reduced tariff
H R Jadhav, a retired engineer from
MSEDCL
and current president of the district unit of Akhil Bharatiya Grahak Panchayat (ABGP), held a meeting with Sunder Latpate, the chief engineer of the Nashik Zone of MSEDCL, on Monday. Following the discussion, Jadhav called on residents to install TOD, or smart meters, to take advantage of tariff benefits now available to consumers.
"We met Sunder Latpate, the chief engineer of Nashik Zone (Nashik and Ahilyanagar), who explained to us the finer points of the TOD meters that are in the interest of the consumers.
So, till date, there has been opposition by the organisation for the installation of the meters, but we now appeal to the people to install these devices," said Jadhav.
Jadhav explained that MSEDCL is installing TOD meters to analyse power consumption patterns. This data will enable the company to plan infrastructure investments effectively and reward consumers for using power during peak or off-peak hours.
"Solar power generation is rising enormously. Since this power is cheap, the power distribution company intends to pass on the benefits directly to the consumers using the power during the daytime and, hence, will charge lower rates. However, current electricity meters do not have the facility to measure power consumption during specific timings. The TOD meters can provide details of power consumption, and hence they should be installed by consumers who will receive power supply at reduced prices," Jadhav added.
He also said MSEDCL will cover the cost of installation and repairs if the TOD meter is damaged within five years from the installation date, except in cases where the malfunction results from consumer misuse.
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