Key Takeaways
- The West Bengal government is implementing smart electricity meters for state employees and PSUs to align with national energy reforms.
- WBSEDCL has initiated the rollout in 103 Customer Care Centres, targeting high distribution loss areas, with aims to install 37 lakh smart meters.
- The program will start with post-paid billing but allows for future transitions to prepaid options.
Smart Meter Installation for State Employees
The West Bengal government has mandated the installation of smart electricity meters at the residences of state employees and public sector undertakings (PSUs). This initiative aligns with the Centre’s Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), aimed at reforming the power sector and enhancing the financial stability of power distribution companies.
The West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (WBSEDCL) has begun deploying smart meters in 103 identified Customer Care Centres (CCCs), which have been flagged due to their high distribution losses. These losses have added financial strain on the state treasury. The government plans to expand this initiative to all 554 CCCs as it progresses.
Previously, WBSEDCL had planned to install 37 lakh smart meters across these 103 centres, but the project faced delays. As of now, about 6.7 lakh meters have been installed, which includes 3.7 lakh for domestic users. The power department will compile a database of state employees to determine how many reside in these critical zones, facilitating targeted installations.
The new smart meters will initially operate under the existing post-paid billing system, with the option for users to switch to a prepaid system later. This initiative builds on past efforts where WBSEDCL began a World Bank-funded rollout of smart meters in select areas, which was also paused after the installation of approximately 74,000 units. Efforts to resume this project are set to begin soon.
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