Ministry of Power to Install Smart Prepaid Meters by 2022

In order to bring an overhaul in the power sector, Ministry of Power has announced that it has decided to make all meter smart and prepaid in the subsequent three years. The installation of smart meters will commence on April 1, 2019, and the complete exercise will be accomplished by March 31, 2022.

As per the press release issued by the ministry of power, this step is expected to bring revolution in power sector by way of reduction in aggregate technical & commercial losses, better health of DISCOMs, incentivisation of energy conservation, ease of bill payments and doing away with the paper bills.

Move towards smart meters is a pro poor step as consumers need not pay the whole month’s bill in one goes, in its place they can pay as per their requirements. Manufacturing of smart prepaid meters will also generate skilled employment for the youth.

The statement also deliberated upon the ministry’s obligation to provide electricity for all while saying, “It may be recalled that the State Governments had earlier signed the Power for All document and had agreed to supply 24*7 power supply to their consumers.

“Thus the distribution licensee shall provide 24*7 power to their consumers by 1st April, 2019 or earlier. However the apt Commission in outstanding circumstances for the reasons to be recorded in writing may award extension in this time period,” the statement further mentioned.