SURAT - Starting December, the Central Government will commence the implementation of smart electricity meters across states, a move set to revolutionize how consumers interact with their power usage. The Dakshin Gujarat Vij Company Limited (DGVCL) has already initiated preparations for the ambitious project, expected to cost INR 2636.24 crore.
In an effort to curb electricity theft and minimize bill payment hassles, more than 40 lakh smart meters will be installed. The rollout is planned in two phases - with 17.73 lakh meters in the first phase and the remaining 23.89 lakh in the second.
These new-age meters will be installed not only in residential homes but also in government offices and on transformers. Customers will be able to monitor their daily power consumption and recharge the meters according to their needs, similar to mobile phone recharges. Recharges can range from as short as a day to as long as a year.
The transition to smart meters will further be supported by a dedicated mobile application. This feature will allow consumers to recharge their electricity meters anytime, anywhere, even at local Paan or mobile shops. The specially designed app will provide real-time insights into electricity consumption, allowing users to track their usage every hour, six hours, or daily. This technology-driven initiative will offer consumers the same ease and familiarity they experience when using other apps on their smartphones.
With smart meters, users can continue to use electricity for a short period even after their recharge has been exhausted. This added visibility into their hourly, half-daily, or daily unit usage provides consumers with more control over their power consumption.
