There are no irregularities in installing smart meters: Energy Department

The smart meter system has been taken up under the central government’s Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme commissioned in 2021-22.

Bengaluru: The energy department on Monday dismissed the allegations of irregularities in the installation of smart meters, emphasising that they are following the directions given by the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC).

Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (BESCOM) Managing Director (MD) N Shivashankara said that the installation of smart meters is mandatory for new and temporary connections.

However, it is optional for the existing consumers. “For the existing consumers, the installation process will start in a phased manner. The process of shifting from old meters to smart meters is yet to be decided,” Shivashankara said. 

The smart meter system has been taken up under the central government’s Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) commissioned in 2021-22. 

The pricing factor  

The consumers shifting to smart meters have to pay Rs 4,998 upfront as meter charges, which will have a life of at least 10 years. Every month the energy department will collect Rs 75 for smart meter maintenance such as the SIM card in the meter, server, software, and mobile app. 

The total cost for ten years will come up to Rs 13,920. Apart from Rs 4,998 that will have to be paid upfront, the remaining sum of Rs 9,000 will be socialised and collected from the consumers over the next few years, according to BESCOM. 

What is socialising?

After installing smart meters, ESCOMs will bear the monthly maintenance/software charge of Rs 75. The total expenditure of ESCOMs for smart meters in a financial year will be calculated and included in the tariff hike proposal for the next year, according to Pankaj Kumar Pandey, MD of Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited (KPTCL).

He said that the socialised money will be collected from consumers as the ESCOMs will include it in the tariff hike proposal for the financial year 2026-27. 

How is the price in other states?

According to the BESCOM MD, the monthly cost for each smart meter over 10 years is Rs 120.34 in Maharashtra, Rs 117.81 in West Bengal, Rs 148.88 in Sikkim, Rs 130.30 in Manipur, and Rs 115.84 in Madhya Pradesh. “This cost is reflected in the electricity bill and collected from customers. Additionally, in these states, smart meters are being installed simultaneously for all customer installations (bulk replacement)," Shivashankara said.

Features of a smart meter?

Smart meters, which differ from traditional models, are equipped with a GPS-based communication system for data collection and offer server and cloud connectivity. Utilizing Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) technology, these meters enable direct communication between customers and BESCOM by gathering electricity usage data. Users can monitor real-time electricity usage, voltage, and power factor through a mobile app and access recharge options. Customers can make advance payments and recharge for the desired duration, allowing them to use electricity as needed. In a power outage, electricity can be restored immediately upon bill payment.