Lok Sabha Question No. 4431 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-27
Subject: Slow Adaptation of  Smart Meters
Ministry: POWER
Asked by: Shri Vishaldada Prakashbapu Patil

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF POWER

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.4431 ANSWERED ON 27.03.2025

## SLOW ADAPTATION OF SMART METERS

## 4431. SHRI VISHALDADA PRAKASHBAPU PATIL:

Will the Minister of POWER be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  any  digital  platforms  are  available  to  facilitate  easy  recharge  and complaint registration for smart meters and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether  the  Government  is  aware  of  the  slow  adaptation  of  smart  meters  in certain regions, where progress has been slow, with only 14.5 million meters installed out of the 117.7 million as of October 2024; and
- (c) if so, the steps taken/being taken by the Government  to ensure robust implementation and wider adaptation especially in district like Sangli?

## A N S W E R

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF POWER

(SHRI SHRIPAD NAIK)

(a) to (c) : Government  of  India,  in  July  2021,  launched  the  Revamped  Distribution Sector  Scheme  (RDSS)  with  the  objective  of  improving  the  quality  and  reliability  of power supply to consumers through a financially sustainable and operationally efficient Distribution Sector in the country. Under the scheme, projects have been sanctioned for loss reduction infrastructure & smart metering works.

Out of the total target of 20.33 crore Smart meters sanctioned under Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), approximately 1.36 crore (6.7%) Smart meters have been installed in the country. Ministry of Power is regularly reviewing the progress of installation  of  Smart  meters  by  various  Distribution  Utilities  and  is  taking  necessary steps.

The installation of Smart meters has been affected due to the following reasons:

-  Smart  meter  being  a  new  concept,  there  were  delays  in  issue  of  tenders  and establishment of direct debit facility mechanism for payment.
-  Collection and validation of data for Consumer Indexing.
-  Time taken in Testing and approvals like Field installation and integration test, Factory acceptance test and likewise.

Smart meters are required to adhere to relevant technical and quality standards and  need  to  have  valid  tests  and  BIS  (Bureau  of  Indian  Standards)  certificate.  For complaint redressal, a helpline number has been provided by the distribution utilities.

GoI  has  issued  the  Standard  Bidding  Document  (SBD)  for  engaging  services  of Advanced  Metering  Infrastructure  Service  Provider  for  smart  meter  installation  and providing necessary services. The Clause 2.5 Section 6 of the SBD provides for creating user interface for providing easy recharge option and for lodging/resolution of consumer complaints. For reference, for the district of Sangli, the mobile app-'MAHA VIDYUT' has been provided for easy recharge and complaint lodging.

The  following  steps  have  been  taken  or  are  being  taken  by  the  Ministry  to expedite installation of the Smart meters in the country, including the district of Sangli, Maharashtra:

-  Standard  operating  procedures  (SoPs)  has  been  issued  for  smart  meters  which include  provisions  for  providing  multiple  recharge  options,  having  consumer feedback mechanism, effective complaint resolution mechanism and comprehensive consumer engagement campaign, etc.
-  Directions have been issued for establishment of smart meter feedback collection units.
-  Distribution Utilities have been asked to ensure readiness of Smart meter mobile apps for regular tracking of consumption of electricity and for providing multiple recharge.
-  In order to promote pre-paid smart metering, States have been advised to provide rebate of upto 5% to pre-paid consumers.
-  Regular  review  of  progress  with  the  States  and  Distribution  Utilities  on  the tendering and award of smart meter works and their installation.
-  Distribution Utilities have been advised for Installation of check meters for up-to 5% of the Smart meters installed and mandatorily in case of complaints related to Smart meters.
-  Advisory has been issued for prioritizing installation of Smart meter in Government Establishments, Government colonies and Industrial and commercial category  of  consumers  and  other  high  load  consumers.  Based  on  successful demonstration in above category of consumers, Smart meter installation may be rolled  out  for  other  consumers.  Also,  advisory  prescribes  for  regular  consumer engagement  exercise  in  respect  of  Smart  meters  so  as  to  build  consumer confidence.

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