Kerala's Departure from National Smart Metering Plan

• 26 Mar 2024

Kerala's rejection of the national smart metering initiative disrupts India's ambitious project to replace conventional meters by March 2025.

• Kerala's move underscores doubt regarding smart meter reliability and grid synchronization, essential for effective functioning.
• Trade unions oppose the scheme, fearing private control over the state's power sector.

• Unlike global aims of improving pricing efficiency, India focuses on reducing distribution losses, posing challenges in cost recovery.
• Financial strains on public distribution companies raise doubts about the feasibility of cost recovery.

• Companies like Adani Transmission and EDF are actively involved in smart meter deployment.
• Inadequate consumer bills and high fixed costs challenge meter cost amortization, suggesting a need for a more targeted approach.

• Prioritize high-value consumers and focus on feeder-wise supply monitoring to reduce losses and improve supply quality.
• Smart metering of high-value consumers and distribution transformers can pave the way for progressive improvements.