Cabinet approves 750,000 smart prepaid power meters installation

The state cabinet has approved the installation of 750,000 smart prepaid power meters for electricity users. This project will cost over Rs 890 crore and will follow a design-build-finance-own-operate-transfer (DBFOOT) model. Digismart Network Pvt Ltd will lead the installation. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant stated that the first phase will focus on commercial and three-phase meters. He assured that domestic consumers will not be affected in this phase. Under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), the government aims to improve efficiency and financial stability in the distribution sector. This includes financial support for companies to enhance electricity supply infrastructure. The project's detailed report has been approved with a cost of Rs 467.4 crore. This includes budgetary support of Rs 70.1 crore. An additional Rs 243.4 crore has been allocated for system improvements and loss reductions. The smart metering project involves the installation of 750,356 meters and creating systems for managing meter data. The project will be executed over 93 months, with a 27-month period for installation. Bids were received from Digismart Networks and Adani Transmission, among others. Payments to the successful bidder will be based on the number of meters that are commissioned. The aim is to complete the installation of all meters within 27 months.