Mumbai : Residents of Palava Society in Kalyan were left stunned after receiving an electricity bill of ₹170,700 for a single day’s usage—just one day after a new smart meter was installed. A video shared on social media by local user @gharkekalesh captured the moment, with the resident showcasing the meter on the wall and angrily pointing to the astronomical bill received despite minimal usage.
This 12‑second clip has gone viral, garnering over 65,000 views, 2,000 likes, and hundreds of comments. Some users sarcastically joked that the meter must have been doing “overtime,” while others speculated it billed years of usage in a single moment.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company (MSEDCL) announced that approximately one lakh smart meters have already been installed across the Kalyan region. Officials emphasized that these are time-of-day (ToD) smart meters, not prepaid devices, and assured that there is no extra financial burden on consumers. They also warned against “rumours and misinformation,” stating that the meters are government-funded and help both the utility and customers by enabling accurate, automated readings.
As outrage grows over the viral billing incident, consumers and civic activists are demanding immediate investigations. They question the functionality of these newly installed smart meters and insist on corrective measures for those impacted by unexpectedly high bills.
