Smart meters being installed with complete transparency, scientific pricing structure: BESCOM
Bengaluru, Mar 24 (PTI): The installation of smart meters in new electrical setups within the BESCOM jurisdiction is being carried out with complete transparency, with a scientific pricing structure in place, BESCOM Managing Director N Shivashankara said on Monday.
In a press conference held at the BESCOM office, Shivashankara further said existing customers too will have the option to install smart meters.
The press meet was also attended by Energy Department’s Additional Chief Secretary Gaurav Gupta and Karnataka Power Corporation Limited (KPCL) Managing Director Pankaj Kumar Pandey.
On March 6, the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission released guidelines for installing smart meters. As per these guidelines, installing and replacing smart meters will take place in phases.
Shivashankara said, “The Energy Department’s smart meter scheme is a significant step towards a digital approach for electricity bill payments and real-time electricity usage data. These smart meters are not just a solution to meter and billing issues but also a tool for customers to manage their electricity usage effectively.”
According to him, the system enables TOD (Time of Day) rates, remote reading, auto connection, and disconnection. In case of a power outage, the electricity distribution company will receive immediate updates, streamlining and speeding up the power restoration process.
Most states have implemented the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) system, said a release issued by the Energy Department.
Under RDSS, the central government would provide 60 percent of funding for developing electrical infrastructure if accepted. Additionally, the union government would contribute 15 percent of the total cost, or Rs 900, to replace smart meters, said the press release.
However, the scheme stipulated that state governments could only benefit if they cleared any outstanding subsidies and dues owed to the respective electricity supply companies. Furthermore, it was mandatory for all customers to install smart meters.
Since the Karnataka government did not agree to these conditions at that time, it did not accept the central RDSS scheme, said Shivashankara.
“In these states, electricity supply companies purchase and install smart meters for customers, subsequently recovering the cost of the meters and their technical maintenance by incorporating it into the electricity tariff,” he added.
He also explained how it worked in other states.
“For instance, with the central government’s subsidy, the monthly cost for each smart meter over 10 years is Rs120.34 in Maharashtra, Rs117.81 in West Bengal, Rs148.88 in Sikkim, Rs 130.30 in Manipur, and Rs115.84 in Madhya Pradesh. This cost is reflected in the electricity bill and collected from customers. Additionally, in these states, smart meters are being installed simultaneously for all customer installations (bulk replacement),” said Shivashankara.
The process of installing smart meters began in urban areas on February 15, and in the coming days, the installation process will begin in rural areas, he added.
“Currently, BESCOM has a stock of 30,600 smart meters,” said the BESCOM MD.
At the press meet, Energy Department’s ACS Gupta and KPCL MD Pandey also provided information about Karnataka's power situation and the measures taken by the Energy Department to ensure a stable power supply.
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345 Indian fishermen stranded in Iran return home via Armenia
New Delhi (PTI): A group of 345 Indian fishermen, who were stranded in Iran amid escalating regional tensions, returned to India via Armenia on Saturday, officials said.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar thanked his Armenian counterpart Ararat Mirzoyan for assistance in return of the Indian nationals.
The Indian nationals arrived in Chennai this evening, the officials cited above said.
The circumstances that led to them being stranded in Iran were not immediately known.
"Thank FM @AraratMirzoyan and the Government of Armenia for facilitating the evacuation of Indian fishermen today from Iran, through Armenia to India," Jaishankar said on social media.
Over 1,500 Indian nationals have left Iran through land border crossings in Armenia and Azerbaijan since the start of the West Asia conflict over a month ago.
"A group of Indian fishermen, stranded in Iran, are returning home via Armenia today; their flight is expected to reach India this evening," a government statement said.
It said the Ministry of External Affairs continues to closely monitor the evolving situation in the West Asian region, with the safety, security and welfare of the Indian community being accorded the highest priority.
It also made a mention of five Indians being injured in Abu Dhabi on Friday.
According to Abu Dhabi authorities, the Indian nationals were among the 12 people injured by debris from an intercepted missile.
"In an attack in Abu Dhabi, five Indian nationals were injured; four have been discharged, one remains under treatment," the Indian government's statement said.
It said the Indian mission in Abu Dhabi is extending "full" assistance and coordinating with local authorities, adding that their flight is expected to reach India this evening.
