The South Gujarat Vij Company Limited (DGVCL) is stepping into the future with the installation of smart prepaid meters for electricity consumers in Surat. This initiative marks a significant shift for residents, offering greater control, convenience, and transparency in managing their electricity usage.

Pilot Project Begins at Suman Shail Apartment

On April 8th, DGVCL will embark on this journey by installing smart meters in Suman Shail Apartment located in the Piplod Division. This pilot project paves the way for a large-scale rollout across the city, with an estimated 17 lakh meters planned for installation over the next 18 months.

Benefits Abound for Consumers

Smart meters offer a multitude of advantages for consumers:

• Eliminate Bill Hassles: Say goodbye to waiting for monthly electricity bills. With smart meters, consumers can recharge their electricity usage as needed, providing greater control over their spending.
• Monitor Power Consumption: Gain valuable insights into your electricity usage with smart meters. An accompanying mobile app allows for real-time monitoring, empowering consumers to make informed choices about their consumption habits.
• Potential Bill Reductions: By promoting conscious energy use, smart meters can lead to reduced electricity consumption, potentially lowering your electricity bills.
• Enhanced Convenience: Smart meters offer a variety of user-friendly features, including recharge reminders, notifications for power cuts, and fault information, allowing for proactive management of your electricity needs.

Phased Rollout Ensures Smooth Transition

The initial phase focuses on seven divisions within Surat circle: Surat City, Surat Rural, Piplod, Rander, Surat Industrial, Vyara, and Kamrej. DGVCL plans to install 3,000 meters daily, translating to approximately 90,000 to 1 lakh meters installed per month.

Investing in the Future

DGVCL is committed to this project, allocating a budget of Rs 2600 crore to ensure its successful implementation. The company prioritizes customer satisfaction throughout the transition and has taken steps to minimize disruptions.

Prioritizing Customer Convenience

In the initial phase, DGVCL is ensuring customer convenience. Even if the meter balance is depleted, power supply will continue uninterrupted on second and fourth Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays. Additionally, a grace period of 5 days is offered before power cuts occur due to low balance.

Reduced Interaction, Enhanced Support

Smart meters are expected to streamline communication between DGVCL and its customers. A dedicated control room will be established to address all customer inquiries and resolve complaints efficiently. In the event of a power outage, consumers can lodge a complaint through the mobile app and receive a resolution within 15 minutes.

The rollout of smart meters signifies a significant step towards a more efficient and consumer-centric approach to electricity management in Surat. By embracing this technology, DGVCL empowers its customers with greater control and convenience while paving the way for a more sustainable future.