Smart Meters in Govt Buildings by August, Says Minister
Union Power Minister Manohar Lal has directed state power corporations to install smart and prepaid meters in all government buildings and residential colonies by August 31, with a sharp focus on reducing Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses.
The directive came during the Western States Power Conference held in Mumbai, where ongoing power projects and distribution reforms were reviewed. Highlighting the role of smart metering in improving billing accuracy and curbing line losses, the minister noted that AI and ML-based data analytics will enhance the consumer experience by offering real-time insights into energy consumption. Gujarat, Goa, and Chhattisgarh were commended for their progress in reducing AT&C losses under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), which incentivises infrastructure upgrades and smart meter rollouts. The minister also flagged challenges such as outdated tariff structures, billing inefficiencies, pending government dues, and delays in subsidy payments. Emphasising fiscal discipline, he urged states to bridge the revenue gap between supply costs and recoveries through better billing, timely payments, and loss reduction.
As part of India’s “Developed India – 2047” vision, the Power Ministry aims to expand nuclear power capacity to 100 gigawatts by 2047. Manohar Lal stressed the need for central-state collaboration and fast-tracked implementation of central power projects. States were also urged to develop energy storage capacity via pumped hydro and battery systems to support grid stability. On the sidelines of the conference, the minister met with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde to discuss infrastructure priorities. He reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to expanding Mumbai’s metro network to ease congestion and accelerate Smart City Mission initiatives. The discussions included waste site management, reuse of treated sewage water, and progress under the Swachh Bharat Mission.
The Western States Power Conference, attended by ministers and officials from Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, and Chhattisgarh, is part of a regional initiative to align state and central policies for energy security, fiscal efficiency, and urban sustainability.
