Telangana power regulator for rapid deployment of smart meters
The Telangana Electricity regulatory Commission is keen that the power utilities and distribution companies in the State take up rapid deployment of smart meters and eventually smart grids as a part of streamlining the functioning of the electricity supply network.
T Sriranga Rao, Chairman of Telangana Electricity Regulatory Commission, said, “After successful pilot projects, we are keen on implementation of smart meters which will ensure that the losses are totally plugged while strengthening the utilities and discoms financially.”
In an exclusive interaction with Business Line, he said, “The focus is on mass adoption of smart meters which will enable better integration of renewable energy sources into the grid and create new markets for goods and services to support smart metering efforts.”
What are the time scales for implementing of smart, prepaid meters in Telangana?
TSSPDCL (Telengana State Southern Power Distribution Company Ltd) has implemented and commissioned 8,800 smart meters in Jeedimetla Smart grid Project with all smart metering functionalities. In Telangana there are over 1.2 crore connections to replace the existing meters with smart, prepaid meters and it might take 3 to 5 years.
Smart meters are evolving into potential game changers for the electrical sector. With a two-way communication and remote monitoring services, it simplifies the management. Customers can switch from prepaid to postpaid and postpaid to prepaid without changing any meter. These smart meters play a vital role in improving customer service and laying the foundation for new and innovative business models.
Smart meters are first step towards smart grid. Over the next 20 years, India will need to refurbish, rebuild grids to smart grids.
