AP to install smart meters

Andhra Pradesh would be among the first few states to implement 'time of day' (ToD) power meters in the state. These would measure the power consumption during the peak hours, which would be billed more than the power used during the rest of the day.

“This will ensure that consumers rationalise their power usage to cut down on the bills during the peak hours,” said Kapil Mohan, director, Accelerated Power Development Reforms Programme (APDRP), being implemented by the power ministry. 

As part of the reforms, the Centre is targeting to reduce the losses incurred on power transmission & distribution (T&D) across the country to about 15 per cent over the next few years. The ministry is currently implementing the second phase of the APDRP to reduce the loss incurred by the government.

The losses are due to theft and unmetered supply of power to residential and commercial units. Smart meters help in tracking the energy flow, and help in locating the point of theft.

Speaking to the media at the inauguration of ICSA's manufacturing facility in Patancheru, Medak, he added that states like Maharashtra and Gujarat had already installed smart meters, which also help in identifying areas consuming more electricity than what has been actually allotted. 

The government will incentivise distribution companies, to reduce losses by providing grant from the APDRP programme.The ministry has an outlay of Rs 40,000 crore assistance to state governments including Rs 850 crore to Andhra Pradesh for strengthening and upgradation of distribution networks. Fifty percent of the loan given to the power utilities would be converted into grant if the states reduce the T&D losses to 15 per cent, he said.

ICSA said it spent about Rs 26 crore to set up the 5-acre facility that will produce smart energy meters.