UP Government: Under RDSS, the UP government will replace 11.32 lakh outdated smart meters with prepaid ones; the project is expected to be finished by 2027

UP Government: In accordance with the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), the Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation has determined to replace 11.32 lakh of the 12.04 lakh smart meters that Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) has installed by March 2027 with new smart prepaid meters.

The fundamental goal of smart metering has been undermined by the old meters’ poor performance, sluggish speed, and frequent malfunctions due to their antiquated 2G technology.

Significant Financial Cost For the 11.32 lakh active meters, UPPCL has been paying EESL Rs 101 per meter each month, or around Rs 137 crore yearly or over Rs 959 crore over seven years.

An extra Rs 681 crore would be spent on installing new prepaid smart meters at the current rate of Rs 6,016 per meter, bringing the total additional cost to nearly Rs 1,600 crore.

The Consumer Body Calls for Action
Awadhesh Verma, head of the Uttar Pradesh State Electricity Consumer Council, applauded the replacement but called for a thorough investigation into the unsuccessful EESL project and severe punishment for the executives and others involved.

He brought up the fact that on Janmashtami day in August 2020, 1.58 lakh meters abruptly ceased functioning. No real action was taken against individuals responsible, despite the Electricity Regulatory Commission’s mandate to switch to 4G technology and the Energy Minister Shrikant Sharma’s subsequent request for an STF investigation.

Verma said that responsibility has to be addressed since consumers have been suffering for years as a result of this unsuccessful enterprise.