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Technology
Maharashtra's Smart Meter Rollout Raises Accessibility and Privacy Concerns
✍️ Mid-Day
🗓 22 Jul 2026, 03:08 PM
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The state’s new smart meter initiative has drawn criticism over issues of accessibility for consumers and potential privacy risks.
Maharashtra has begun installing smart meters across its power distribution network, a move aimed at modernising electricity metering and improving billing accuracy. However, the rollout has sparked debate among consumer groups and privacy advocates.
Critics argue that the new devices may not be fully accessible to all residents, particularly those with limited digital literacy or disabilities. They contend that without adequate support and training, users could struggle to read and interpret the data displayed by the meters.
Privacy concerns have also emerged, as smart meters collect detailed consumption data that could be used to infer personal habits. Stakeholders are calling for clear regulations on data storage, usage, and sharing to protect residents’ privacy rights.
The government has stated that it will address these issues through outreach programmes and stringent data protection measures, but the debate highlights the challenges of balancing technological progress with consumer protection.
Critics argue that the new devices may not be fully accessible to all residents, particularly those with limited digital literacy or disabilities. They contend that without adequate support and training, users could struggle to read and interpret the data displayed by the meters.
Privacy concerns have also emerged, as smart meters collect detailed consumption data that could be used to infer personal habits. Stakeholders are calling for clear regulations on data storage, usage, and sharing to protect residents’ privacy rights.
The government has stated that it will address these issues through outreach programmes and stringent data protection measures, but the debate highlights the challenges of balancing technological progress with consumer protection.