Hyderabad, May 25: The Telangana Cabinet has approved the implementation of smart electricity meters across the state under the Centre’s Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), paving the way for major reforms in the power distribution and billing system.
The government, however, clarified that agricultural electricity connections will remain exempted from the smart meter rollout. Officials said smart meters would be installed in all other categories in a phased manner.
The RDSS scheme aims to reduce losses faced by electricity distribution companies, improve billing transparency and modernise the power distribution network through advanced digital technology.
Although a tripartite agreement related to the scheme was signed during the previous BRS government, the process did not move forward at that time. With the present Cabinet approval, the implementation process is now expected to begin soon across Telangana.
Smart Meter Costs To Be Shared By Governments
Officials said the expenditure for purchasing and installing smart meters would be borne jointly by the Centre and the State government.
As a result, consumers will not face any additional financial burden for the installation of the new digital meters, authorities clarified.
The government believes the initiative will improve operational efficiency in electricity distribution while ensuring greater transparency in billing and monitoring systems.
How Smart Meters Work
Unlike conventional electricity meters, smart meters are advanced digital devices equipped with communication or Internet of Things technology modules.
These meters automatically send electricity consumption data directly to the servers of electricity distribution companies in real time.
As a result, the manual process of monthly meter reading by field staff will gradually end.
Officials said automatic digital readings would significantly reduce human errors and eliminate incorrect billing issues that sometimes result in unusually high electricity bills.
Consumers will receive bills strictly based on actual electricity usage.
Consumers Can Monitor Daily Power Usage
Smart meter users will also be able to monitor their daily electricity consumption through dedicated mobile applications.
Officials said this feature would help households identify excessive electricity usage and control consumption more effectively.
Government offices and local bodies will also come under digital electricity monitoring systems after the smart meter rollout.
Experts believe the system will improve transparency, help control pending electricity dues and provide accurate information on power load usage in different regions.
The technology is also expected to help reduce low voltage problems and sudden power interruptions.
In addition, electricity theft and line losses can be identified more quickly through real time monitoring systems.
Prepaid Meter System May Be Considered Later
At present, the government is likely to continue the regular postpaid billing model, under which consumers pay electricity bills at the end of every month.
However, officials indicated that prepaid electricity systems similar to mobile recharge models could be considered in the future depending on the financial condition of electricity utilities and pending dues management.
The proposed prepaid model has already triggered political debate in Telangana, with opposition parties expressing concern over possible future changes in the free electricity policy for farmers.
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