Smart meters

Across India, the row seems driven more by trust deficit than technology

In theory, ‘smart meters’ for electricity are a good idea. The country’s move toward smart electricity metering came about due to long-standing problems in the power sector, especially high transmission and distribution (T&D) losses, electricity theft and chronic billing inefficiencies. However, some citizens’ groups have voiced concerns over the technology even as authorities stress its usefulness.

From the early steps in the 2000s under the Accelerated Power Development and Reforms Programme and the later Restructured Accelerated Power Development and Reforms Programme in 2008, the goal has been basic IT-enabled metering and energy accounting in urban areas. The real shift toward ‘smart’ meters came in the mid-2010s with pilot projects and policy backing from the Power Ministry. In 2017, EESL launched its Smart Meter National Programme to replace conventional meters with smart prepaid ones, especially for high-consumption and government users.

Implementation has been uneven across states. Some moved quickly, while others faced resistance over billing concerns, infrastructure gaps and public mistrust. Smart meters promise prepaid billing, real-time monitoring and integration with renewable energy in the future. Now, with criticism growing, the department has made some minor amendments in Goa. Officialdom says smart meters will be accurate. It promises consumers better control over electricity use and says the system could reduce electricity theft and losses through better monitoring. There will also be no need for meter readers.

But there have been cons and controversies too. Some users in other states have reported increased bills. In Uttar Pradesh, some consumers reportedly faced “midnight blackouts” when balances ran low or during technical server glitches. Some have raised quality concerns too. Privacy and surveillance concerns have also come to the fore, as detailed consumption data can reveal patterns of daily life. Across India, the controversy seems to stem less from the technology itself and more from a trust deficit. This includes fears of billing changes and weak infrastructure.

Citizens’ groups are opposing the mandatory installation of meters. They say the Goa government should follow Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar’s Lok Sabha statement that smart meters cannot be installed without consumers’ consent. Consumer confusion is another issue. Many do not fully understand how tariffs or displays work, limiting the benefits. There is also no going back. Once installed, traditional meters are usually not reinstated, making this a one-way transition. They also say that UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has discontinued the prepaid smart meter system following complaints from consumers.

So, which way will the balance tilt? Can smart meters offer utilities, better revenue collection, less theft and more control? Or will they mean (from the consumers’ end) more data and greater responsibility? Maybe a mix of both. There seems to be a lack of awareness, though the officer in charge has disseminated  information. Knowing that opposition to the ‘mandatory’ installation of meters is increasing, the government should have intervened earlier. And now it is faced with another development.

Two days ago, the Goa Human Rights Commission took suomotu cognisance of media reports regarding growing public opposition to the ‘mandatory’ installation of smart meters. The matter is scheduled for a hearing on June 2. It remains to be seen how ‘smartly’ the issue will be resolved.