In a concerted effort to ensure accurate electricity meter readings, the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) has adopted a mission mode approach to monitor the activity closely. Taking stringent action, the power utility terminated contracts with 76 defaulting meter reading agencies and issued show cause notices to 41 officials for their perceived lackadaisical approach to the matter.
Vijay Singhal, Chief Managing Director of MSEDCL, revealed that the services of agencies failing to enhance their performance despite opportunities to improve the quality of meter reading were terminated across 76 subdivisions. The proactive measures resulted in a significant reduction in consumer billing complaints, coupled with an increase in billed units over the last three to four months, contributing an additional revenue of Rs 575 crore.
Accurate meter reading and billing are essential components of proper consumer billing. Meter reading defaults not only lead to average consumer billing but also result in billing grievances and revenue losses for MSEDCL. The close monitoring of each agency’s meter reading performance from the MSEDCL headquarters has seen a substantial reduction in the rate of photo rejection from 48% to 3%.
Singhal emphasized that such stringent measures send a clear message that MSEDCL is committed to issuing accurate bills to customers for the electricity consumed. Any lethargy in this regard will not be tolerated. The ongoing measures have led to a significant improvement in meter reading and billing, with a drastic reduction in customer billing complaints. The agencies have been cautioned that persistent errors in meter readings could lead to actions such as blacklisting.
