With the introduction of the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme, aimed at revitalizing distribution utilities, and innovative initiatives from the government, builders, manufacturers, smart meters will bring in the efficiency, reliability, and sustainability in India’s power sector.
They serve a pivotal function in transforming distribution utilities by reducing billing and collection inefficiencies, providing near real time data for analytics and strategic input for minimising pilferage, planning and operation of the distribution grid.
From analog meters to conventional electronic meters to new smart meters, metering technologies have evolved from meters as individual commodity to metering system including IT and prepayment. Smart meters have transformed how utilities and consumers track and control energy usage, extending convenience and accuracy.
The Ministry of Power (MoP), under the Government of India (GoI), has set an ambitious target to replace conventional meters with smart prepaid ones. Under the RDSS, an investment of INR 1.35 trillion has been allocated to install 250 million smart prepaid meters and enable comprehensive metering across all voltage levels. Notably, Bihar leads the country with approximately 3.2 million smart meters, followed by Uttar Pradesh and Haryana.
A recent study showed that as on date, the Indian state of Bihar, with ~3.2 million smart meters, had the highest number of smart meters installed across the country. This was followed by Uttar Pradesh and Haryana.
Smart meters measure and record energy consumption in real time, and communicate that data to your energy provider. This real-time feedback fosters behavioural changes and enhances consumer awareness, encouraging actions like turning off lights and adjusting thermostats for energy conservation.
Measurement
Smart meters use sensors to measure the voltage, current, and other quantities that indicate energy consumption. For example, electricity meters use sensors to measure voltage and current, which are then multiplied to calculate power consumption.
Communication
Smart meters connect to your energy provider and your home via a local area network (LAN) and a wide-area network (WAN). They can also communicate with a central independent organization called the Data Communications Company (DCC).
Reporting
Smart meters record energy consumption in intervals of an hour or less, and automatically send readings to your energy supplier at least once a month.
Two-way communication
Smart meters have a two-way communication system that allows them to receive instructions or updates from the provider.
Smart meters can help you:
- Be billed accurately for the energy you’ve used
- Track how much energy you’re using
- Determine if you are using too much energy on unnecessary things
- Prevent utility problems connected with solar power
- Detect and localize anomalies
Conclusion
In conclusion, Smart energy meters are a big step forward in managing energy, helping both people and utility companies. Also, they show how much energy is used right away, so people can save money and use energy better. Also, they make the power grid stronger, so even during bad times, the power stays on. As the world moves to greener energy. Smart meters play a key role, in making energy use better and helping the planet. Overall, smart meters make energy use smarter and better for everyone.