Smart meters to help keep control on electricity bill

NEW DELHI: You could soon be washing your clothes while away from home and saving on your electricity bill too. The government has launched ‘smart meters’ that besides accurate energy measurement will give consumers itemised electricity bills, details of realtime power prices, recorded consumption pattern and control over electrical appliances at home even from a distance.

The device will also inform consumers about electricity rates at different times of the day as the government prepares to separate retail tariff for peak and non-peak hours. This means consumers can reduce their bills if they consume more electricity during non-peak hours when tariffs will be less.


“India is a price sensitive market and if consumers are told that using electrical equipment during non-peak hours will cost less, they will definitely shift their usage accordingly. This will help the consumers in reducing their bills and the distribution companies in managing the rush thus preventing grid collapses,” a senior power ministry official said.

Power minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said the devices would enable consumers to know their electricity consumption throughout the day and adjust usage accordingly to minimise their bill.

He said the smart meters would help distribution companies in identifying consumption patterns in their areas and managing demand volatility by segregating load. Depending upon the specifications, a smart meter could cost the consumers about Rs 4,000 but the government has launched a pilot scheme at about half the market price in 14 cities. BSES Rajdhani Power CEO Gopal Saxena said smart meters would complement modern home appliances like air conditioners, washing machines, televisions and microwaves that are programmed for self-start .

Saxena said the company is already installing smart meters and is prepared for differential tariff for peak and non-peak hours as ad when approved by electricity regulator. The company is in the process of launching a ‘ smart-plug’ that will enable controlling connected appliances through internet. The smart meters will inform consumers about time and duration of power cuts.

During emergency, distribution companies will be able to switch off selective appliances at consumers’ homes and avoid power blackout. The utilities will also be able to cut off consumer for non-payment of bills or the meters are tampered. The power ministry official said smart devices are popular in the west where the government incentivises consumers for consuming less. In some countries, the smart meters are integrated to measure other services such as gas and water.

The smart meter programme will boost the electric meter suppliers like Secure Meters, Landis+Gyr, L&T and Itron, Indian Electrical & Electronics Manufacturers Association director J Pandey said.