MAKING EVERY UNIT COUNT

Through a series of thoughtful safeguards, the government and key implementation partners are making the shift to smart metering that is inclusive, transparent and consumer-friendly.

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India is undergoing a significant transformation in its power distribution sector through the ambitious Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), which aims to install 250 million smart meters nationwide. This shift from traditional electromechanical meters to intelligent, digital alternatives marks a critical step toward building a modern, efficient and responsive power grid. Smart meters are designed not only to improve billing accuracy and reduce power losses but also to ensure that consumers benefit from real-time data that encourages responsible energy use and supports the integration of renewable energy sources. However, this transition is not without its challenges. Infrastructure gaps, consumer resistance, integration with legacy systems and rural connectivity issues remain key hurdles. Let us delve into the story with insights from industry experts analysing the scenario.

The transition from legacy to smart meters

The revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), an ambitious smart metering programme, marks a transformative step toward building a modern and intelligent power grid. With the government targeting the installation of 250 million smart meters under this programme, the transition from conventional electromechanical meters to smart meters is rapidly gaining momentum. However, this large-scale shift comes with several practical and systemic challenges.

“The transition from legacy meters to smart meters presents several challenges ranging from infrastructure readiness and consumer resistance to interoperability with existing systems, B2B integration and limited network coverage in rural areas,” says Manish Godha. Utilities also face challenges in workforce training, seamless integration with existing billing systems, managing large-scale rollouts across diverse geographies, and strengthening cybersecurity.