The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) is moving ahead with its plans to introduce smart electricity meters with prepayment feature even as the Union government has, in a new notification, reiterated that the first stage roll-out of the nationwide programme should be over by December 31, 2023.
As per the May 23 notification, the Union Power Ministry wants smart 'prepaid' meters in place by 2023-end in all electrical divisions with high AT&C Loss (urban areas where AT&C loss is above 15% and rural areas where it is above 25%), industrial and commercial consumers, all government offices at block level and above, and all Union Territories.
By March 31, 2025, the roll-out should be complete for all consumers, except agricultural consumers, in areas with communication networks, across the country. This notification replaces an earlier one issued on August 17, 2021.
