Aurangabad set to get automated power meters

State-owned power distribution company, Mahavitaran, will install automated meters in Aurangabad under the Distribution Reform Upgrade and Management (DURM) scheme, which is being implemented in cooperation with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) would invest Rs 167 crore towards this.

Under the scheme, 2,500 meters would be installed in the city, which has a high percentage of distribution losses. This will help Mahavitaran keep tab on the theft and pilferage in the area.

With this, Mahavitaran will become the first discom in the country to implement the automated meter system.

US power distribution utilities, Morgan County Rural Electrical Association (MCREA) and Podure Valley Rural Electrical Association (PVREA), are providing the technical support.

Speaking with the media, Fred R Grantham, general manager, MCREA, said, "We have installed around 8,500 meters. However, compared with Mahavitaran, our area of operation is minuscule both in terms of number of customers and geographical spread."

The partnership with the two rural electric associations of the US was formalised in May 2007. The Aurangabad model would be replicated in ten other divisions including Nashik, Vashi, Thane, Dombivli, and Sangli. An investment of Rs 1,100 crore has been committed for these ten divisions.