Pune households are reeling from doubled or tripled electricity bills after unauthorized Time of Day (TOD) meter installations by MSEDCL and Adani Group. The lack of transparency and skyrocketing costs have sparked widespread frustration, demanding urgent action.
Pune | 24 July, 2025: Across Pune, families are grappling with a sudden financial burden as their electricity bills have surged, some doubling or tripling, following the unannounced installation of Time of Day (TOD) meters by the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL). Over 440,000 of these smart meters, part of a broader rollout affecting 11.9% of Pune’s 3.7 million consumers, have been installed without residents’ consent, leaving many feeling blindsided and betrayed. The Adani Group, which secured two of six tenders for the project, has faced criticism for its role in the installations, while MSEDCL deflects blame, deepening public distrust.
The TOD meters, intended to provide accurate readings and reduce human error, were introduced free of cost to modernize Pune’s electricity system. Yet, for many, the upgrade has brought financial strain instead of efficiency. Residents report no prior notice or explanation, only to be hit with inflated bills that disrupt household budgets. Areas like Keshavnagar, Sahakarnagar, and Fursungi have seen bills jump from ₹700–₹2,000 to ₹5,000–₹8,000, hitting middle-income families hardest. The lack of clear communication has fueled anger, with many questioning why their reliable old meters were replaced without evidence of faults or theft.
The rollout faced early resistance due to rumors that TOD meters were prepaid, risking power cuts if balances ran low. MSEDCL clarified that the meters are postpaid, with monthly bills delivered as before, but this has done little to ease concerns. The installation pace slowed as residents pushed back, wary of the financial impact and lack of choice. For many, the issue isn’t just the cost but the principle—households feel their rights were ignored in a process that was supposed to benefit them.
This crisis touches real people: families stretching budgets, elderly residents anxious about rising costs, and parents worried about affordability. The community is calling for accountability, demanding either a return to old meters or corrections to inflated bills. MSEDCL’s promise of accuracy rings hollow when trust is eroded. As Pune navigates this upheaval, residents urge authorities to prioritize transparency and fairness, ensuring no one is left struggling to keep the lights on.
Follow us On Our Social media Handles :
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/newsdotz/
Youtube – https://www.youtube.com/@NewsDotz
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573903448264
Twitter – https://x.com/NewsDotz
Also Read- Pune
