Smart Meter News: In an effort to combat electricity pilferage and facilitate digital payment methods, the electricity corporation in Haryana has ramped up its Smart Meter program. As a result, the rollout has begun in 10 districts within the state.
The electricity board has floated tenders worth 681 crore rupees for the Sirsa, Fatehabad, and Jind circles. Meanwhile, the installation of smart meters has been completed at the headquarters level in Karnal, Panchkula, and Panipat districts.
The department is set to kick off the deployment of smart meters in further districts within the state. Tenders worth millions of rupees have been issued according to the respective circles. With the smart meter, consumers will have the convenience of monitoring their meter through their mobile devices.
How will the smart meter work?
Explaining the functionality of the smart meter, it will offer consumers the option of converting their meter into a pre-paid system. This means that the consumer will receive electricity in proportion to the amount they recharge. Once the recharge is depleted, the electricity supply will be automatically cut off.
Should the consumer opt out of the prepaid plan, they will continue to receive their electricity bill on their registered mobile number, just like with a conventional meter. The consumer can then make the payment as usual and continue to receive their electricity supply uninterrupted.
Officials suggest that the department will have the ability to accurately gauge the consumer’s electricity usage with the smart meter. This will effectively eliminate issues related to meter overruns and inflated bills. Consequently, both consumers and the department stand to gain from the implementation of smart meters.
Consumers will have the freedom to use electricity as per their discretion, thereby eliminating the need for department employees to handle bill payments and issues like meter tampering. Consumers will receive instant updates on their electricity expenses. Those opting for prepaid services will be able to recharge their electricity usage similar to mobile recharges.
