Protect Electricity Consumers in Maharashtra
The Issue
No Forced Smart-Meter Installation. No Unfair Billing.
Respect Consumer Rights.
A 29-Day Fight for Consumer Rights in Virar
For the last 29 days, Suhail Nadeem Khan has been standing outside the
MSEB/Mahavitaran office in Virar, raising concerns on behalf of electricity consumers and
demanding answers regarding smart-meter installations, consumer consent, disputed electricity
bills and the protection of consumer rights.
For 29 days, he has continued to raise these concerns peacefully, asking the concerned
authorities to listen to consumers, investigate genuine complaints and provide
transparent solutions.
He needs to be heard.
This petition is an appeal to the Government of Maharashtra, Mahavitaran/MSEDCL,
Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) and concerned electricity
authorities to take these concerns seriously and establish a transparent, accountable and
consumer-friendly mechanism.
The Issue: Smart Meters Installed Without Consumer Consent or Due Process
One of the most serious concerns being raised by consumers is the installation of smart meters at certain premises without obtaining the consumer's prior informed consent and, in some cases, without adequately informing consumers about the purpose, functioning, billing methodology and implications of the new meter.
Consumers deserve to understand any significant change to their electricity metering and billing system.
They should receive clear information, transparency and an opportunity to raise legitimate objections or complaints in accordance with applicable rules and procedures.
We Demand:
Proper prior information to every affected consumer before installation. A clear explanation of the smart meter, its functioning and billing methodology. Transparency regarding consumer rights and available grievance mechanisms. Verification that the prescribed installation procedure was followed. A clear mechanism through which consumers can raise objections or complaints. Proper documentation of installation, meter replacement and relevant consumer communication.
What About Meters Already Installed Without Proper Consent?
The fact that a smart meter has already been installed should not automatically prevent a consumer from challenging the installation.
Where a consumer alleges that a smart meter was installed without the required notice, consent, authorization or applicable procedure, the complaint should be individually investigated by the competent authority.
If the investigation establishes that the installation did not comply with applicable rules or procedures, the consumer should be provided an appropriate remedy, including rollback/removal of the smart meter and restoration of the previous meter wherever legally permissible and technically feasible.
Consumers should not be told that they must simply accept a disputed installation because the installation has already taken place.
Excessive and Disputed Electricity Bills
Consumers are also reporting concerns regarding unusually high, unexpected or disputed electricity bills, particularly where the billed consumption appears inconsistent with their historical usage.
A consumer who disputes a bill should have access to a fair and transparent verification process.
We Demand:
Verification of disputed meter readings.
Access to previous and current meter readings.
Access to relevant consumption history.
Transparent calculation of the electricity bill.
Verification of the applicable tariff and additional charges.
Investigation of sudden or abnormal increases in recorded consumption.
Independent meter testing/verification wherever required.
A time-bound mechanism for resolving billing disputes.
A consumer should have the ability to understand and verify why their electricity bill has
increased.
Every Consumer Has the Right to Raise a Complaint
Consumers must have an easy, accessible and effective mechanism to complain about:
Smart-meter installation
Installation without proper notice, consent or procedure
Incorrect meter readings
Excessive or abnormal bills
Sudden increases in recorded consumption
Meter malfunction
Billing calculations
Unexpected charges
Disputed bills
Disconnection threats relating to genuinely disputed amounts
Every genuine complaint should be:
Acknowledged → Investigated Verified→ Resolved within a defined time period.
Consumers should not have to repeatedly visit offices or protest for their legitimate grievances simply to receive an explanation.
Our Key Demands
1. Prior Information and Applicable Consent/Procedure
Ensure that smart-meter installations comply with all applicable notice, consent and procedural requirements.
2. Investigation of Existing Installations
All genuine complaints regarding installations allegedly carried out without proper consent, notice or due process should be independently examined.
3. Rollback Where Violation Is Established
Where an installation is found to have violated applicable rules or procedures, provide an appropriate remedy, including rollback/removal and restoration of the previous meter wherever legally permissible and technically feasible.
4. Investigation of Excessive Bills
Unusually high or disputed electricity bills must be properly investigated rather than dismissed without adequate verification.
5. Transparent Billing
Consumers must be able to understand their meter readings, consumption history, tariff, charges and the manner in which the final bill has been calculated.
6. Independent Meter Verification
Consumers must have access to a fair and credible mechanism for testing or verifying a disputed meter.
7. Time-Bound Grievance Redressal
Complaints relating to smart meters, meter readings and billing must be addressed within clearly defined timelines.
8. Protection From Harassment or Pressure
No consumer should face intimidation, unnecessary pressure or harassment merely for exercising their legitimate right to question a bill, meter reading or installation.
This Is Not Against Technology
We are not against smart meters or modernization.
We support the modernization of Maharashtra's electricity infrastructure provided that it is transparent, lawful, accountable and consumer-friendly.
Technology should improve electricity services.
It should provide:
Greater accuracy
✓ Greater transparency
✔ Better monitoring
✓ Better consumer access to information
Better grievance redressal
Technology should not weaken consumer rights.
A smart meter should not become a reason why a consumer loses the ability to question an electricity bill, verify consumption or challenge an installation carried out contrary to applicable rules or procedures.
Suhail Nadeem Khan Has Been Raising These Concerns for 29 Days
For the past 29 days in Virar, Suhail Nadeem Khan has continued his peaceful effort outside the MSEB/Mahavitaran office, seeking attention to these consumer concerns.
This is not simply about one person.
It is about every electricity consumer who deserves to know how their meter works, how their bill is calculated and and what rights they have when something appears wrong.
After 29 days, the message is simple:
He needs to be heard.
We request the concerned authorities to engage with him and the affected consumers, hear their concerns and provide a transparent, documented and time-bound response.
A consumer grievance should be resolved through dialogue, investigation and due process-not ignored.
Our Appeal to the Government and Electricity Authorities
We respectfully call upon:
Government of Maharashtra
Mahavitaran / MSEDCL
Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) and all concerned authorities
to immediately address these concerns and establish a system where:
✓ Consumer rights are protected
✓ Applicable consent, notice and due process are respected
✔ Smart-meter installations are transparent
✔ Existing disputed installations are investigated
✔ Appropriate remedies are provided where violations are established
✓ Electricity bills are accurate and verifiable
✔ Meter readings and consumption data are transparent
✔ Consumers have access to independent meter verification
Complaints are acknowledged and resolved within defined timelines
Consumers can raise legitimate concerns without harassment or pressure
Our Slogan
"No Forced Installation. No Unfair Billing. Respect Consumer Rights."
29 Days. One Demand: Hear the Consumer.
Please sign this petition and stand with Suhail Nadeem Khan and electricity consumers in Virar and across Maharashtra.
Your signature is a call for transparency, accountability, due process and respect for consumer rights.
Sign the Petition. Share It. Make the Consumer Voice Heard.
Follow this link to join my WhatsApp group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/L3uGcILkFRU3rUprfJRZYG?s=sh&p=a&mlu=0&ilr=0
73
The Issue
No Forced Smart-Meter Installation. No Unfair Billing.
Respect Consumer Rights.
A 29-Day Fight for Consumer Rights in Virar
For the last 29 days, Suhail Nadeem Khan has been standing outside the
MSEB/Mahavitaran office in Virar, raising concerns on behalf of electricity consumers and
demanding answers regarding smart-meter installations, consumer consent, disputed electricity
bills and the protection of consumer rights.
For 29 days, he has continued to raise these concerns peacefully, asking the concerned
authorities to listen to consumers, investigate genuine complaints and provide
transparent solutions.
He needs to be heard.
This petition is an appeal to the Government of Maharashtra, Mahavitaran/MSEDCL,
Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) and concerned electricity
authorities to take these concerns seriously and establish a transparent, accountable and
consumer-friendly mechanism.
The Issue: Smart Meters Installed Without Consumer Consent or Due Process
One of the most serious concerns being raised by consumers is the installation of smart meters at certain premises without obtaining the consumer's prior informed consent and, in some cases, without adequately informing consumers about the purpose, functioning, billing methodology and implications of the new meter.
Consumers deserve to understand any significant change to their electricity metering and billing system.
They should receive clear information, transparency and an opportunity to raise legitimate objections or complaints in accordance with applicable rules and procedures.
We Demand:
Proper prior information to every affected consumer before installation. A clear explanation of the smart meter, its functioning and billing methodology. Transparency regarding consumer rights and available grievance mechanisms. Verification that the prescribed installation procedure was followed. A clear mechanism through which consumers can raise objections or complaints. Proper documentation of installation, meter replacement and relevant consumer communication.
What About Meters Already Installed Without Proper Consent?
The fact that a smart meter has already been installed should not automatically prevent a consumer from challenging the installation.
Where a consumer alleges that a smart meter was installed without the required notice, consent, authorization or applicable procedure, the complaint should be individually investigated by the competent authority.
If the investigation establishes that the installation did not comply with applicable rules or procedures, the consumer should be provided an appropriate remedy, including rollback/removal of the smart meter and restoration of the previous meter wherever legally permissible and technically feasible.
Consumers should not be told that they must simply accept a disputed installation because the installation has already taken place.
Excessive and Disputed Electricity Bills
Consumers are also reporting concerns regarding unusually high, unexpected or disputed electricity bills, particularly where the billed consumption appears inconsistent with their historical usage.
A consumer who disputes a bill should have access to a fair and transparent verification process.
We Demand:
Verification of disputed meter readings.
Access to previous and current meter readings.
Access to relevant consumption history.
Transparent calculation of the electricity bill.
Verification of the applicable tariff and additional charges.
Investigation of sudden or abnormal increases in recorded consumption.
Independent meter testing/verification wherever required.
A time-bound mechanism for resolving billing disputes.
A consumer should have the ability to understand and verify why their electricity bill has
increased.
Every Consumer Has the Right to Raise a Complaint
Consumers must have an easy, accessible and effective mechanism to complain about:
Smart-meter installation
Installation without proper notice, consent or procedure
Incorrect meter readings
Excessive or abnormal bills
Sudden increases in recorded consumption
Meter malfunction
Billing calculations
Unexpected charges
Disputed bills
Disconnection threats relating to genuinely disputed amounts
Every genuine complaint should be:
Acknowledged → Investigated Verified→ Resolved within a defined time period.
Consumers should not have to repeatedly visit offices or protest for their legitimate grievances simply to receive an explanation.
Our Key Demands
1. Prior Information and Applicable Consent/Procedure
Ensure that smart-meter installations comply with all applicable notice, consent and procedural requirements.
2. Investigation of Existing Installations
All genuine complaints regarding installations allegedly carried out without proper consent, notice or due process should be independently examined.
3. Rollback Where Violation Is Established
Where an installation is found to have violated applicable rules or procedures, provide an appropriate remedy, including rollback/removal and restoration of the previous meter wherever legally permissible and technically feasible.
4. Investigation of Excessive Bills
Unusually high or disputed electricity bills must be properly investigated rather than dismissed without adequate verification.
5. Transparent Billing
Consumers must be able to understand their meter readings, consumption history, tariff, charges and the manner in which the final bill has been calculated.
6. Independent Meter Verification
Consumers must have access to a fair and credible mechanism for testing or verifying a disputed meter.
7. Time-Bound Grievance Redressal
Complaints relating to smart meters, meter readings and billing must be addressed within clearly defined timelines.
8. Protection From Harassment or Pressure
No consumer should face intimidation, unnecessary pressure or harassment merely for exercising their legitimate right to question a bill, meter reading or installation.
This Is Not Against Technology
We are not against smart meters or modernization.
We support the modernization of Maharashtra's electricity infrastructure provided that it is transparent, lawful, accountable and consumer-friendly.
Technology should improve electricity services.
It should provide:
Greater accuracy
✓ Greater transparency
✔ Better monitoring
✓ Better consumer access to information
Better grievance redressal
Technology should not weaken consumer rights.
A smart meter should not become a reason why a consumer loses the ability to question an electricity bill, verify consumption or challenge an installation carried out contrary to applicable rules or procedures.
Suhail Nadeem Khan Has Been Raising These Concerns for 29 Days
For the past 29 days in Virar, Suhail Nadeem Khan has continued his peaceful effort outside the MSEB/Mahavitaran office, seeking attention to these consumer concerns.
This is not simply about one person.
It is about every electricity consumer who deserves to know how their meter works, how their bill is calculated and and what rights they have when something appears wrong.
After 29 days, the message is simple:
He needs to be heard.
We request the concerned authorities to engage with him and the affected consumers, hear their concerns and provide a transparent, documented and time-bound response.
A consumer grievance should be resolved through dialogue, investigation and due process-not ignored.
Our Appeal to the Government and Electricity Authorities
We respectfully call upon:
Government of Maharashtra
Mahavitaran / MSEDCL
Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) and all concerned authorities
to immediately address these concerns and establish a system where:
✓ Consumer rights are protected
✓ Applicable consent, notice and due process are respected
✔ Smart-meter installations are transparent
✔ Existing disputed installations are investigated
✔ Appropriate remedies are provided where violations are established
✓ Electricity bills are accurate and verifiable
✔ Meter readings and consumption data are transparent
✔ Consumers have access to independent meter verification
Complaints are acknowledged and resolved within defined timelines
Consumers can raise legitimate concerns without harassment or pressure
Our Slogan
"No Forced Installation. No Unfair Billing. Respect Consumer Rights."
29 Days. One Demand: Hear the Consumer.
Please sign this petition and stand with Suhail Nadeem Khan and electricity consumers in Virar and across Maharashtra.
Your signature is a call for transparency, accountability, due process and respect for consumer rights.
Sign the Petition. Share It. Make the Consumer Voice Heard.
Follow this link to join my WhatsApp group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/L3uGcILkFRU3rUprfJRZYG?s=sh&p=a&mlu=0&ilr=0
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Petition created on 31 August 2026