Que: What does ‘Smart Metering 2.0' mean for the company in terms of technology, governance, and consumer experience?

Ans: Smart Metering 2.0 marks a decisive shift from viewing smart meters as standalone devices to treating them as part of a connected, intelligent energy ecosystem. Technologically, this phase is defined by deeper digital integration and analytics-driven insights. Our focus is on smart meters that go beyond accurate consumption measurement by enabling real-time communication, embedding edge intelligence for predictive asset management, and serving as interoperable nodes for advanced, data driven grid management and customer centric energy services.

From a governance perspective, Smart Metering 2.0 brings greater transparency and accountability across the power value chain. Utilities gain access to reliable, granular data that helps reduce losses, enhance billing efficiency, and strengthen compliance with regulatory mandates. At the same time, robust data governance frameworks ensure that consumer information is managed responsibly and securely. For companies, this translates into embedding contractual clarity, disciplined regulatory reporting, and sustained consumer trust building into every stage of smart metering operations.

For consumers, the experience is far more empowering. Smart Metering 2.0 provides greater visibility, choice, and control. Households can track usage patterns, understand their bills more clearly, and make informed decisions about energy consumption.

In essence, this evolution brings together technology, governance, and consumer trust to power a more efficient, resilient, and citizen centric energy ecosystem — driving a smarter, greener, and more sustainable society.

Que: What inspired the launch of the ‘Smart Meters Sahi Hai’ campaign?

Ans: The slogan “Smart Meters Sahi Hai” means “Smart meters are right” — a message of confidence and reassurance that they are reliable, consumer friendly, and beneficial. It was inspired by the gap between policy intent and public perception, where misinformation and scepticism at the grassroots level hindered adoption. To bridge this trust deficit, the campaign highlights transparency, accuracy, and fairness, showing consumers how smart meters empower them with accurate billing, real time usage visibility, and greater control over energy consumption. That is why, in every sense, smart meters are indeed sahi hai — the right step toward a more transparent and citizen centric energy future.

Que: Smart meters generate large volumes of consumer data. What frameworks have you implemented to ensure data privacy and cyber security?

Ans: Smart meters are no longer just metering devices; they function as digital sensors producing high frequency consumer and grid data, which we treat as critical infrastructure. Genus Power Infrastructure applies a defence in depth, standards driven framework aligned with global best practices and India’s regulatory requirements. This framework covers the following dimensions:

Governance and compliance: We comply with ISO/IEC 27001:2022 (information security) and ISO/IEC 27701 (privacy information management). Additionally, we adhere to the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, Central Electricity Authority (CEA) Cyber Security Guidelines, and CERT In (Indian Computer Emergency Response Team) directions to ensure audit readiness and regulatory alignment.

Privacy by design: Embedded across Head End System (HES), Meter Data Management System (MDMS), Network Management System (NMS), Workforce Management (WFM), and mobile applications. Data collection is purpose limited; sensitive data is anonymised or masked; role based access enforces least privilege.

Data lifecycle security: Meter to cloud protection with secure firmware, cryptographic identities, encryption for data in transit and at rest, multi factor authentication, and privileged access management.

Application security: Secure Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP) practices, periodic Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing (VAPT), and patch/vulnerability management aligned with CERT In timelines.

Operational readiness: Continuous monitoring via centralised logging, Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) alerting, incident response and cyber crisis plans, and regular drills.

Consumer consent and transparency: Clear campaigns and grievance redressal aligned with regulatory expectations.

Que: Can you share examples of how near real-time consumption data has empowered households or small businesses? What feedback have you received from consumers in regions where smart metering has reached scale?

Ans: One of the most encouraging outcomes we see is how access to near real-time data changes consumer behaviour. For households, electricity use is no longer just a monthly bill; it becomes something they can see and understand in daily life. Families quickly learn which appliances — air conditioners, refrigerators, water heaters, or pumps, drive the highest consumption, and how usage varies across the day. This awareness helps them avoid unexpected bill spikes, plan better, and take control of their energy expenses. In areas with prepaid smart meters, consumers particularly value the ability to monitor balance, recharge easily, and avoid disconnection surprises.

For small businesses, the impact is often immediate. Shop owners and local enterprises use consumption data to schedule operations more efficiently, manage peak loads, and cut unnecessary costs. In many cases, this awareness has led to meaningful cost savings.

Feedback from regions where smart metering deployment has scaled, highlights three things consistently -accuracy, transparency, and trust. Consumers appreciate timely billing, fewer disputes, quicker issue resolution, and the convenience of remote services such as instant reconnection after payment. Over time, initial scepticism has given way to confidence, with many now seeing smart meters as tools that empower them rather than control them.

These experiences reinforce our belief that smart meters are not just infrastructure upgrades, — they empower consumers, enhance accountability, and make the energy system more responsive to real world needs.

Que: What measurable improvements have DISCOMs seen through Genus’ smart metering deployments?

Ans: Genus’ smart metering deployments have delivered tangible benefits to DISCOMs supporting modernisation and financial stability. By replacing traditional meters with smart meters, DISCOMs have seen higher billing accuracy and improved collection efficiency, which directly translates into stronger revenues per meter.

Beyond financial gains, smart meters have strengthened day to day utility operations. Near real time consumption data allows DISCOMs to monitor network performance, detect theft or losses quickly, and respond faster to outages and consumer complaints. This has reduced billing disputes and improved overall consumer satisfaction.

Smart metering has also simplified maintenance and reduced reliance on manual processes, enabling utilities to adopt data driven decision making. With improved visibility into consumption patterns, DISCOMs can plan loads better, manage peak demand, and operate grids more reliably.

Que: What role do smart meters play in supporting renewable integration and demand-side management?

Ans: Smart meters are central to renewable integration in India’s energy ecosystem. By providing near real time visibility into consumption and grid flows, they help DISCOMs align demand with the fluctuating generation from solar and wind. This granular data improves load forecasting, reduces reliance on fossil fuel balancing power, and strengthens grid stability. Smart meters also enable accurate measurement of distributed energy resources, ensuring transparent net metering and supporting the rapid adoption of rooftop solar under national and state programmes.

From a demand-side perspective, smart meters empower both utilities and consumers to actively manage energy use. DISCOMs can introduce time of use tariffs and demand response programmes, encouraging consumers to shift consumption to off peak hours or periods of higher renewable generation. With transparent usage data, consumers find it easier to control costs and adopt efficiency measures. Smart meters thus make demand side management practical, boosting participation and improving reliability.

Que: Does Genus plan to partner with state governments or local authorities to increase its penetration?

Ans: In India’s power sector, partnerships typically begin through competitive bidding, where the winning Advanced Metering Infrastructure Service Provider (AMISP) takes responsibility for manufacturing, deployment, and lifecycle management. Genus Power, as the country’s largest smart meter manufacturer and a leading AMISP, has consistently leveraged this model under TOTEX, delivering end to end solutions across supply, installation, and operations. Over the years, Genus has worked closely with state utilities and DISCOMs on several firsts, becoming the first company in Asia Pacific to supply 1.5 million smart meters to Energy Efficiency Services Ltd. (EESL), and participating in India’s first smart grid pilot project with Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board (HPSEB). In addition, Genus has secured large state level smart metering orders through competitive tenders, including one of the largest single state AMISP contracts in 2022. Its current order book includes significant wins from state utilities for the deployment of more than 3.64 crore meters.

Going forward, the scope of new partnerships will continue to depend on future bids and regulatory frameworks, where Genus’s proven track record and TOTEX expertise position it strongly to collaborate with state governments and local authorities in accelerating nationwide smart meter adoption.