Dainik Nation News Portal
DAINIK NATION BUREAU/DEHRADUN
Uttarakhand Principal Secretary (Energy) Dr. R. Meenakshi Sundaram has announced that the installation of smart meters will empower consumers with better control over their electricity usage. Dr Sundaram said this while addressing press conference here in Dehradun SEcretariat on Saturday. These state-of-the-art meters will provide real-time data, multiple payment options, and consumption comparisons, ensuring transparency and efficiency.
Dr. Sundaram highlighted that this initiative is part of a national program supported by the Government of India and is being implemented across all states. He emphasized that smart meters will significantly reduce complaints related to billing and meter reading, which are currently among the most common grievances at UPCL’s Consumer Grievance Redressal Center and the CM Helpline. By eliminating human intervention in meter readings, errors will be minimized, leading to a seamless consumer experience.
Consumers will have access to their electricity usage details via a mobile app, allowing them to monitor and manage consumption effectively. Additionally, power faults and supply disruptions will be reported instantly to the concerned department for swift resolution. Smart meters will also function as net meters for those installing rooftop solar systems.
Dr. Sundaram assured that no installation fee will be charged for replacing old meters. Currently, only post-paid smart meters are being installed; however, consumers opting for pre-paid services will receive a discount of 4% on domestic connections and 3% on other categories. To set an example, the government will first install these meters in the residences of ministers, MLAs, and officials.
A major advantage of smart meters is uninterrupted power supply, even if the balance is exhausted during holidays or at night. The initiative aims to replace 15.88 lakh consumer meters, along with 59,212 transformer meters and 2,602 feeder meters, by June 2026.
