The intent of the recently minted Power Minister to install smart meters is laudable. The MeECL cannot be expected to underwrite the bills of defaulters or those who make false declaration on the kilowatts used or who break up their bulk requirements into smaller units so that they can pay lesser. Also, there are still many who steal power by fiddling with the meters or as stated by knowledgeable sources by the use of non-standardised immersion rods so as to beat the power bills. “Smart Meters” usually involve real-time or near real-time sensors, power outage notification and power quality monitoring. These additional features are more than simple automated meter reading (AMR). They are similar in many respects to the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) meters. Interval and time-of-use meters historically have been installed to measure commercial and industrial customers, but may not have automatic reading.
An academic study based on existing trials showed that home owners’ electricity consumption on average is reduced by approximately 3-5% when provided with real-time feedback. Another advantage of smart meters that benefits both customers and the utility is the monitoring capability they provide for the whole electrical system. As part of an AMI, utilities can use the real-time data from smart meters measurements related to current, voltage, and power factor to detect system disruptions more quickly, allowing immediate corrective action to minimize customer impact such as blackouts.Smart meters work by using a secure national communication network (called the DCC) to automatically and wirelessly send a consumer’s actual energy usage to them. Smart meters also come with an in-home display. This display gives the consumer near real-time information about consumption and how much it’s costing.
However, installing smart meters for a state like Meghalaya which has erratic internet connection is fraught with uncertainties. A smart meter needs constant power and WIFI connectivity and that’s asking too much. Another problem with Meghalaya is the use of smart meters manufactured in China. The Union Government had categorically warned states not to import Chinese made goods, particularly smart meters which could be intrusive. Some of the smart meters installed in parts of Garo Hills have already stopped functioning and are simply hanging by a thread.An informed public debate on such an important power reform is needed at this juncture. The public should get into this new metering system with their eyes open and with clear guarantees that it will work smoothly and not intermittently. The public also needs to know how the smart meters applied to certain households and commercial establishments are functioning at this point.
