KSEB smart metering ticks at snail’s pace

Kochi: Even as Kerala is facing frequent power outages in summer due to overloading of KSEB’s utilities, modernisation, including installation of digital meters on transformers (DTR meters), which can help streamline supply, is progressing at a snail’s pace. Only around 8% of the total target has been finished in the first phase.As per the Central Electricity Authority (Installation and Operation of Meters) Amendment Regulation 2019 issued by the Union govt, all consumers (other than agricultural), should have been supplied electricity with smart meters working in prepayment mode by March 2025. All feeders and distribution transformers shall also be covered under advanced metering infrastructure, the amendment mandates.“KSEB first floated a project to install smart meters for almost 100% of the consumers in 2022-23, but it was scrapped. It was decided to install 3 lakh smart meters for various consumers. While several other states have complied with the directives, KSEB is still unable to expedite smart meter installation,” said KSEB retired deputy chief engineer C P George.“If smart meters, especially DTR meters, are installed, it will help streamline the power distribution system. A DTR meter can deliver accurate data on actual demand and supply under the limits of that specific transformer. Based on that, KSEB will be able to change or augment its machines in a particular area,” he said.In the reply given to RTI activist K Govindan Namboothiri from Kochi, KSEB also states that the installation of digital meters for consumers has been completed by around 80% of the target in the first phase.“As far as I understand, Union govt provides financial support for introducing digital meters. However, while replying to my RTI queries, KSEB stated that the power utility hasn’t availed itself of any such funds. It is from the capital expenditure funds that the KSEB spends money for implementing the digital metering project,” Namboothiri said.When TOI contacted KSEB officials in charge of the smart meter project, they didn’t respond. In the absence of DTR meters and proper measures based on actual demand and supply, hundreds of transformers are blown due to overloading during peak hours across the state every summer.