Complaint About Illegal Use of Smart Meters Without Certification

Topic: Uncertified Smart Meters Risking Consumer Safety and Trust

On 27th April 2025, senior citizen Kamlakar Shenoy filed a complaint with the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) regarding the use of smart electricity meters that have not been certified by the Legal Metrology Department.

He pointed out that these uncertified meters are illegal under the Legal Metrology Act, 2009 and the Electricity Act, 2003. Without proper verification, these meters may be faulty or even manipulated remotely, leading to unfair billing.

Consumers have reported unusually high bills, raising suspicion that the smart meters may be defective or tampered with. Shenoy emphasized that safety, accuracy, and consumer rights are being compromised.

He requested that all uncertified smart meters be removed immediately and no new ones installed unless approved by the appropriate government authority.

This complaint stresses the need for transparency, legal compliance, and the protection of consumers from potential fraud and digital risks.