Taking forward the proposed installation of smart grid in the capital region, the Japanese power electronics major, Fuji Electric Co. Limited (FECL), has evinced interest in supplying meters that can send digital readings of the power consumed to the distribution companies (Discoms).
It has already secured certification of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) for the smart meters manufactured by it in collaboration with the Visakhapatnam-based Lotus Wireless.
Feasibility study
An official of the Southern Discom said: “FECL has already done a feasibility study on a wide variety of technical and weather-related parameters for creating infrastructure of suitable specifications. It has given a demonstration to local engineers.”
An analysis of the correlation between weather and power demand has been made.
According to official sources, the FECL has expressed interest in providing single and three-phase meters through bidding and deployment. It has pegged the estimated cost of 10,000 meters at nearly ₹176 million, which works out to ₹17,600 per meter.
These meters are equipped with advanced electronic systems such as radio frequency meshes, General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), and Two-Way Automatic Communication System (TWACS) that transmit the power line signals through the grid network.
During a presentation at the recent A.P-Japan Public Private Joint Conference in the city, the FECL stated that the meters could take readings every minute and be connected through optical fibre cables.
It was in November 2014 that Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu had met the top brass of the FECL during his Japan tour and invited them to explore the possibility of setting up the smart grid in the entire State starting with a pilot project in Amaravati.
Except the study done by the FECL, there has since been no significant progress for various reasons, including the costs that have to be borne by the State.
Interestingly, Hebei-based (China) Shijiazhuang Kelin Electric Co. Ltd. has emerged as one of the likely bidders.
It was to provide 100 smart meters, comprising those having prepaid functionality (SIMs), free of cost for demonstration, but there has since been no movement on this front too.