2.34 million smart meters are projected to be installed in the state. The agreement also marks the commercial launch of smart prepaid system for Bihar utilities
Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), a joint venture under Ministry of Power, Government of India signed agreements with South Bihar Power Distribution Company Limited (SBPDCL) and North Bihar Power Distribution Company Ltd (NBPDCL) for the installation of 2.34 million smart prepaid meters in Bihar, under its Smart Meter National Programme. This is the first time that smart prepaid meters are being installed at this scale. The agreement was signed in the august presence of Hon’ble Energy Minister, Government of Bihar, Bijendra Prasad Yadav.
Sharing his views, Yadav said, “The power sector is facing high aggregate technical and commercial losses and implementation of smart prepaid meters can play a crucial role in addressing these challenges in Bihar. I am confident that these meters will be a boon for the state’s energy landscape and will help DISCOMs in shoring up their finances.”
The objective of this project is to have a sustainable impact on the distribution sector in Bihar. The smart prepaid meters will optimise the DISCOM operational performance by increasing the billing and collection efficiency, reduce the operation and maintenance cost; and enhance the quality of service, along with providing the consumers with demand side management (DSM) options.
Speaking on the occasion, Saurabh Kumar, Executive Vice Chairperson, EESL, said, “We have been implementing smart prepaid meters across India to enhance consumer convenience and increase DISCOM revenues. We have made significant progress in this journey in the state of Bihar, which has become the first state in the country to witness smart prepaid meter installation at this scale. Now, with the commercial launch of the smart prepaid system for Bihar utilities, we’re certain that this will help bring a transformation in the entire power sector.”
The Smart Meter National Programme aims to replace 250 million conventional meters with smart meters in India. Under the smart meter national programme, EESL and Intellismart have installed over 1.6 million smart meters have been installed in the country.
