Smart Meters Project A Flop In Uttar Pradesh, Union Ministry Finds Flaws In Over 12 Lakh Metres

The Union Ministry of Power found many flaws in the smart meters installed at 12 lakh electricity consumers in Uttar Pradesh. The smart meters are not working in an automotive mode but manually. The Ministry has instructed to get the smart meters fixed as soon as possible to resolve the problems of the consumers.

The Ministry sent a team to inspect smart meters in power companies last month after receiving continuous complaints from consumers. The team also took feedback from some consumers to check their satisfaction levels. The team’s report, which was sent to the Managing Director of Power Corporation, states that smart meters have failed in the purpose for which they were installed.

Some of the shortcomings found by the team are:

• Smart meters have been working manually for six months after the introduction of the new billing software.

• There is a problem in automatic bill generation, connection disconnection due to dues.

• Consumers are extremely dissatisfied with smart meters.

• The check meter and main meter installed at the consumers’ premises are not being matched, violating the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).

• The smart meter mobile app is not working.

• There is a network problem with the smart meter.

• Despite having a smart meter, the reading is still being done manually.

• Charges have also been taken for installing a check meter.

• There is a dispute between Energy Efficiency Services Limited, L&T and Power Corporation regarding smart meters, which has disrupted consumer services.

The report also revealed that some consumers with smart meters did not lose power despite having due bills. Moreover, some consumers did not receive SMS alerts or alarm sounds when they consumed electricity up to 70, 80 and 90 percent of the recharge amount.

ALSO READ: UPSSSC To Start Recruitment Process For Over 10,000 Posts Before Lok Sabha Elections

The Uttar Pradesh State Electricity Consumer Council has demanded to blacklist the meter manufacturers and installation companies associated with the smart meter project after the reports were made public.