By OUR STAFF REPORTER
Dehradun, 9 Oct: To help electricity consumers keep pace with the latest technology, smart meters are being installed across the country to achieve several objectives. These include online availability of electricity consumption data, real-time usage information, essential notifications, consumption comparisons, and multiple easy payment options. In Uttarakhand, smart meters are planned to be installed in approximately 15.87 lakh consumer premises.
The Managing Director, UPCL, Anil Kumar Yadav has emphasised that the implementation of these smart meters will enhance the digitalisation and efficiency of the power distribution system. These smart meters give consumers control. UPCL has also established a special committee dedicated to consumer awareness so that consumers are well-informed about the benefits of smart meters and aren’t distracted by fake news and information. After installation of smart meters, Uttarakhand is poised to become the first state in India to introduce time-of-day power tariffs for its 15.87 lakh electricity consumers. Consumers can smartly track their consumption patterns and accordingly shift their power usage and avail benefits of ToD tariffs as, under this system, power rates will be divided into three slots (peak daytime hours will offer the cheapest tariffs, while nighttime hours will have the highest rates), with prices varying accordingly. Apart from this, as currently, each consumer has to pay a fixed amount for the electricity bill but, with prepaid smart meters, consumers will be able to use electricity even with just a recharge of Rs 100. If the consumer’s recharge runs out, the electricity connection will not be disconnected on Saturdays and Sundays, as a bonus period of two days will be provided. Once the recharge is depleted, the connection will automatically be cut off after a specified period. The power supply will resume automatically within 15 minutes of recharging. The primary benefits of smart meters for consumers include elimination of human intervention in billing; reduced billing complaints, leading to better consumer satisfaction; detailed consumption information available on mobile apps; identification of savings opportunities through real-time consumption monitoring. Also, there is no need for monthly meter readings, relief from interest or late fees on electricity bills. There will be avoidance of issues related to large outstanding amounts on bills.