Gujarat Smart Meter Rollout Hits Hurdles as Only 50 Lakh of 1.64 Crore Target Installed
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Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
Gujarat’s smart electricity meter rollout continues to lag significantly behind its target, with only around 50 lakh meters installed against a planned 1.64 crore, according to official data cited from the Union Ministry of Power.
The state had set a target of installing 1,64,87,100 smart electricity meters, but only 50,17,480 meters have been installed so far. The slow pace of installation has raised questions over the implementation of the ambitious project.
Consumer Complaints Over Higher Bills
One of the major challenges facing the rollout is consumer resistance. Many electricity users have complained that their bills increased after conventional meters were replaced with smart meters.
The complaints have particularly raised concerns among middle- and lower-income households, with consumers alleging that the new meters have increased their financial burden.
Despite efforts by the state Energy Department and electricity distribution companies to promote smart meters, consumer concerns and lack of confidence have slowed the installation process.
Smart Meter Plan Dating Back To 2017
Gujarat had begun planning the installation of smart electricity meters in 2017. At the time, the state's four power distribution companies — UGVCL, DGVCL, MGVCL and PGVCL — had planned to initially install smart meters for consumers using more than 500 units of electricity per month.
However, nearly nine years later, the rollout remains substantially below the original target.
Government Maintains Meters Are Transparent
The Gujarat Energy Department has maintained that there is no difference in electricity consumption calculation between conventional and smart meters and that the technology provides a transparent system of measurement.
Power distribution companies have also been offering various incentives and schemes to encourage consumers to opt for smart meters.
However, continued complaints regarding higher bills have contributed to resistance among consumers, making completion of the state's smart meter installation target a significant challenge.
