Kerala to go smart in electricity supply, 37.5 consumers to get smart meter this year

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The power supply system in the state will be completely smart by 2025. The Centre has approved the plan to overhaul the infrastructure and billing system. The state will spend Rs 10475.03 crore this year to modernize the distribution system.

The Centre has earmarked Rs 3 lakh crore under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme for the overall dismantling of the power supply system in the country. As Kerala has already secured a place in the first phase of the five-year project, it is possible to start the project this year itself.

By joining the five-year plan first itself, the project can be completed by 2025.

Smart meters will be installed for 37.5 lakh customers this year. This year, it will be provided only to those who use more than 200 units of electricity per month. The cost of installing the meter will be borne by the Centre. The price of the meter will have to be paid by the customer in several installments along with the electricity bill.

The distribution system will be fully computerized. Computer metering will be installed for electricity coming and going to the state grid. The network will also be digitally controlled. Energy auditing will also be implemented. The Centre will provide Rs 2235.38 crores for this. Power transmission and distribution losses on the state grid can be reduced to less than 10 per cent and unit losses can be reduced from 30 paise to zero.

Another project is the implementation of Supervisory Control Data Acquisition Program for power supply in Thrissur, Kollam and Kannur. The advantage of this is that the power supply system can be fully controlled from one centre. An amount of Rs 65 crore will be allotted for this.

No minimum charge when power is not required

It comes with a prepaid system like mobile recharge. There is no need to pay fixed charge or minimum bill for electricity when not required. No reconnection charge will be levied when the electricity is used again. The advantage is that you can control the electricity bill yourself. Advance payments will also benefit KSEB. The Centre will sanction Rs 8175.05 crore for the project this year.

Recharge system

You can use internet payment system, mobile payment app and local counter to recharge your smart meter. The smart meters will be connected to the control unit in the electricity section office. The smart meter will start supplying power within 15 to 60 minutes if recharged. All you have to do is press the button next to the meter or look at the user interface screen to see if it's been charged and how much money you have left. It can also be viewed on a mobile phone.

Three types of benefits

1. It can reduce power loss and lead KSEB to profit

2. As it is a central project, there is no additional financial burden on the state

3. The Centre will allow a 0.5 per cent increase in the credit limit of the state