In an era where digital transformation is reshaping industries, India’s power sector is not lagging behind, thanks to the advent of smart metering technology. The transition to smart metering is is undoubtedly a pivotal step towards efficient and consumer-centric energy management.
With supporting infrastructure, smart metersserve as crucial nodes in the energy network, capable of transmitting detailed data such as energy usage, power supply status, and tamper alerts directly to utilities.
“Smart meters will help bring down the cost of electricity by 2 to 2.5 percent,” said Shri R. K. Singh, Union Minister of Power, and New & Renewable Energy, at the ‘National Dialogue on Smart-metered India for a Digitalised and People-centric Power Sector’, organized by CEEW.
The smart metering technology enables an unprecedented level of real-time management of electricity supply and demand, ensuring not just efficient billing but also helping in and effective upkeep of the power network.
Understanding the immense potential of this technology, the Government of India, alongside electricity distribution companies (Discoms) like Tata Power, Adani, genus companyand more, is targeting to install 250 million smart power meters by March 2025 (MoP 2021) replacing conventional meters, promising a smarter, more reliable, and consumer-friendly power grid for India.
CEEW’s report ‘Enabling a consumer-centric smart metering transition in India’, supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies and the MacArthur Foundation, found that nearly 60% of smart meter users that were surveyed across six Indian states are happy and satisfied with their billing and payment processes. 20% were unsatisfied with the installed smart meters, while another 20% were found neutral about it.
Moreover, 92% of users also have a smooth smart meter installation experience and nearly 50% of the consumers reported improvements in billing regularity after switching to smart meters. Over a third of the consumers across six states reported that they felt more in control of electricity expenses, experienced a drop in electricity theft, and improved power supply.
As of February 2023, nearly 5.5 million smart meters have been installed in India, of which 97% are deployed in 12 states and UTs (NSGM 2023). Meeting the RDSS’s target would require deployment at a rapid scale (5.6 million smart prepaid meters per month).
This transition to advanced smart metering infrastructure across the nation will result in a shift in how consumers handle their electricity bills, both in terms of receiving and paying them. To avoid any bumps in the road, it’s crucial to thoroughly understand how consumers feel about and use smart meters, particularly those with prepaid functions. Agencies need to take necessary steps to make sure that customers smoothly adapt to this new way of managing their electricity payments.
Due to gaps in digital literacy and limited awareness of smart meter apps, many consumers rely solely on SMS updates, which do not provide a breakup of bills.
As a result, many users may prefer to continue receiving paper bills. Also, many consumers may not be aware of smart meter mobile apps and how to use them. Further, due to fear of disconnection upon failing to recharge in time, cash flow issues, and barriers to digital payments, consumers, especially in rural areas, may find it difficult to pay the bills upon switching to smart meters.
The transition to smart metering should include consumers as an important allies by making consumer-friendly policies and engaging with them. CEEW recommends that Discoms spread sustained awareness of the benefits and features of smart metersand their mobile apps. Keeping paper bills in circulation and slowly phasing them out is the best course of action. In order to facilitate a smooth recharge experience and dispel the fear of disconnection, prepaid consumers need to receive timely alerts and a variety of payment options.
Read More – Understanding How Electricity Meters Work and Why It Matters
Smart meter manufacturers are responsible for designing and developing the meters. Their expertise and innovation drive the development of smart metering devices that are not only reliable and accurate but also equipped with advanced features like real-time energy consumption tracking, instant tamper alerts, and remote monitoring capabilities.
Leading providers like genus company and others, work closely with government bodies and electricity distribution companies (discoms) to ensure that these intelligent devices are tailored to meet the diverse needs of Indian consumers.
As catalysts of change, smart meter manufacturers are crucial in bridging the gap between current practices and a more efficient, transparent, and consumer-centric future. We, at Genus, are proud to be one of the architects of a smarter, more resilient power infrastructure for India.
For more information about smart meters, contact our expertsat Genus now.