More than 60% of island city consumers have already switched to smart meters, say BEST officials

Mumbai: As BEST scales up the installation of smart electricity meters across Mumbai, it has decided to modernise its ageing meter-testing infrastructure to ensure greater accuracy and strengthen consumer confidence in the new technology.BEST committee chairperson Trushna Vishwasrao said the existing test benches used to verify meter accuracy before installation are outdated and need replacement with advanced equipment. Every smart meter undergoes testing before deployment, and upgraded benches will help deliver more reliable results, she said.A senior BEST power supply official confirmed that a proposal to procure advanced testing benches has already been prepared. Smart meters are currently tested at BEST’s Wadala laboratory before being approved for consumer use.The move comes as smart meter adoption accelerates, with BEST general manager Sonia Sethi saying that over 60% of island city consumers have already switched to smart meters. She said BEST is creating a robust verification system and expanding awareness campaigns to counter concerns that smart meters lead to higher bills.To address complaints, BEST will organise bill-verification camps and strengthen grievance redressal mechanisms. Help desks are also being set up across civic wards to resolve consumer queries and build trust in the new metering system.