Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB).
Credit: Special Arrangement
Bengaluru: After Bescom, the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) is preparing to roll out AI-enabled smart meters to track water consumption.
These meters promise more accurate billing, are tamper-proof, and offer real-time readings to both the BWSSB and the consumers.
"The main advantage is that it helps improve accuracy. That apart, it is also tamper-proof and provides real-time reading to both the BWSSB and the consumers,” said Ramprasat Manohar V, Chairman, BWSSB.
In the first phase, the BWSSB plans to install the meters for nearly one lakh bulk consumers.
“These are categories where consumption is high, and accuracy is crucial. Existing meters fail to record actual usage when water pressure is high. Smart meters will help fix this,” a senior official explained.
Unlike Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (Bescom), the BWSSB will not collect upfront charges. Instead, it will adopt a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model, where a private firm will install and manage the meters and recover costs through monthly rental.
"The consumption of bulk users will be high, and this rental will not be a burden. Hence, we have chosen this model,” Manohar said.
Officials added that the rental amount was yet to be finalised, but it would be minimal.
"The BWSSB also cannot procure such meters as it is going to be expensive for the board as well. The PPP model will not burden the BWSSB or the consumer. Hence, we have chosen this model,” another official said.
The board is finalising the Detailed Project Report (DPR), which will soon be submitted to the government for approval.
While the BWSSB claims existing meters under record usage, consumers have long alleged that mechanical meters overstate consumption. Smart meters are expected to resolve such disputes.