Former corporator Divya Vaibhav Gaikwad has voiced strong opposition to the installation of smart meters in the Vashi division, raising concerns over consumer consent and transparency on behalf of citizens.

In a recent meeting with Mr. Sanjay Patil, Superintendent Engineer of the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL), Divya, accompanied by members of the Vashi Co-operative Housing Society Association, submitted a formal letter of protest.

The letter, signed by Gaikwad and the association representatives, criticized the unauthorized installation of smart meters, particularly highlighting an incident involving a Divyang (differently-abled) stall in Sector 2. “A smart meter was installed at the stall without the owner's consent, triggering widespread dissatisfaction among residents”, stated Divya.

“A smart meter has been installed in Vashi. The stall is allotted to a Divyang by NMMC. The smart meter was installed when no one was present, and the permission of the stall owner was not taken. I would like to bring to your notice that our Chief Minister and Energy Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated in the Vidhan Bhavan during the July 2024 monsoon session that smart meters will not be installed for common customers, which includes residential category consumers. Yet, the meters are being installed by the MSEDCL with force,” Divya stated during the meeting.

She further added, “I have requested authorities not install smart meters in Vashi. There is huge dissatisfaction among consumers about these smart meters”.