Smart meter rollouts are transforming the energy landscape

Engaging and empowering people with strong utility support will foster acceptance. When technology is clearly explained to the people, it eliminates fear and encourages confidence in its adoption.

The rapid pace of the power sector in India is driving growth, signaling economic progress and an innovative industry approach. Smart meters and schemes like PM Surya Ghar Yojana transform generation, transmission, and distribution for a sustainable future. Sanjeev Dhal shared his experiences with the EPR forecasting the upcoming trends in the power sector at the Distribution Utility Meet held recently in Lucknow. Let us delve into the interaction to update ourselves.

How can the smart meter rollout be accelerated to overcome challenges and ensure nationwide success?

The power sector in India is experiencing rapid growth driven by economic progress, particularly in generation, transmission, and distribution. While generation and transmission face challenges such as capacity constraints, transformer issues, and the need for new evacuation corridors, the distribution sector is witnessing significant developments. Two major initiatives, smart meter rollouts and the PM Surya Ghar Yojana, are transforming the landscape.

The growth of renewables, especially solar (both on-grid and rooftop), is accelerating, and the smart meter initiative has the potential to revolutionise the distribution sector. However, the rollout of smart meters, which began two years ago, has faced challenges. Despite the programme’s potential, progress has been slower than expected, raising concerns within the industry and the government. While the concept is sound and the bidding documents are comprehensive, the execution has been hindered by misconceptions and a slow pace of adoption.

One successful example is the deployment of 2.6 million smart meters in rural Northern Bihar, where more than 1.7 million meters are already operating in prepaid mode. This success was largely due to strong collaboration with local Discom officials and effective customer engagement to raise awareness. For the smart meter rollout to succeed nationwide, it must be viewed as a holistic, integrated project, not just a technical rollout. It is crucial to involve people, empower them, and ensure the utility’s support. If explained properly, technology is not feared, as evidenced by the widespread use of mobile payment systems like Paytm.

How can companies prioritise quality and innovation in the power sector to support India’s economic growth?

The future of India as the third-largest global economy hinges on the growth of its power sector, which forms the backbone of any economic expansion. The prospects are bright over the next 5 to 10 years, with significant opportunities across every sector. The energy industry must recognise and align with the immense potential to avoid inefficiencies and setbacks. It is crucial to prioritise quality over cost-cutting measures that compromise long-term sustainability. Companies can ensure growth and reliability in the power sector by focusing on delivering high-quality materials and adhering to industry standards. This commitment to excellence will contribute to the country’s energy security and bolster the economic transformation. The power sector development is central to a nation’s progress, and those who invest in innovation, quality, and integrity will be well-positioned to capitalise on this rapidly expanding market.

How does your technology-driven approach to smart metering and energy efficiency contribute to industry standards?

Founded in 1987, we pioneered electronic meeting concepts and smart meters in India. Since 2012, we have deployed over 7 million smart meters in the UK and nearly 2 million in Australia. Our expertise spans prepaid metering and energy efficiency solutions for SMEs and large industries. Our technologies empower users with real-time, actionable insights, enabling corrective and preventive actions. We are also advancing energy efficiency in the cooling sector in South Asia. Our message to the industry is that the market is vast, and enhancing quality standards is the best service we can offer our nation and the electrical industry.