LUCKNOW: Your electricity meters will soon go smart and not only watch you for every unit that you consume but also send live updates to a control room. The installation of smart meters might start in a fortnight in Lucknow.
"The meters have several features which we can activate depending on the need. One of the big things is that it will let us detect rigging and theft without visiting the premises where the device would be installed," said MD,
MVVNL, Sanjay Goyal. Each meter will be connected to the server of the distribution company (discom) and make live montoring possible.
Madhyanchal Vidyut Vitaran Nigam Limited (MVVNL), the discom that covers Lucknow division, has completed the survey to update data on number of consumers in the division. Localities with high line losses may get the device installed first.
The meter also has a feature that will allow consumers to switch-over from postpaid to prepaid mode of consumption and vice-versa. "We will implement the features of the smart meter over a period of time," said the official. The installation in Lucknow will also be done in phases.
The device will allow authorities to limit the load of the consumer in case he is illegally consuming more than the sanctioned load; disconnect in case discrepancies are noticed; access remote reading; tariff paid by the consumer and generate an online bill without meter reading staff visiting the premises.
The meters will be installed free of cost. The supplier company, Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) which is a joint venture of PSUs under the ministry of power, will provide for the maintenance and upkeep of the meters.
The meters have an inbuilt module for maintenance and upkeep.
Representative Photo
