Rapid roll-out of smart meters for power consumers are leading to a sharp improvement in the financial parameters of discoms (distribution companies), initial reports on the implementation of the Centre’s Rs 3.3 lakh crore scheme in states show.
According to a power ministry presentation made at a recent brainstorming session of state power ministers, discoms showed a sharp improvement in billing efficiency, recovery of arrears and actual consumption getting recorded in states replacing old meters with smart meters in earnest.
Though Bihar leads in penetration of pre-paid meters at 92%, UP has installed the highest number of smart meters (post-paid category) at more than 11.5 lakh.
Bihar is a close second with 11 lakh smart meters installed, Rajasthan 5.5 lakh, Haryana 5.3 lakh, Assam 4.1 lakh and Delhi 2.5 lakh.