Posted: Mon, 10/31/22, updated at 11:55pm
Hyderabad: Proving real Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao’s observation of efforts to impose prepaid smart meters on every power connection in the BJP-led centres, while trying to privatise power facilities, the BJP-ruled Uttar Pradesh government has tendered for the installation of 2.8 UP tens of millions of smart meters.
What’s more, corporate giants including Adani Group, GMR Group, L&T and others have reportedly submitted bids for the bids for four power distribution companies (discoms) in Uttar Pradesh. The cumulative estimated value of the tenders is approximately Rs 23,000 crore.
As part of smart metering projects, these agencies must manage meter data, cloud services, communications and even billing systems, in addition to installing meters and other systems. This is touted as part of the Improved Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 30 this year. Under the plan, the center plans to replace 250 million traditional electricity meters across the country with smart meters.
Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao reiterated at a public meeting in Munugode on Sunday that the federal government also plans to install smart meters at various consumer connections, in addition to installing electricity meters on pump sets in the agricultural sector. He also explained that private companies will determine meter costs and installation fees. To this end, the Prime Minister’s Office has issued a circular to the state government.
In the first phase of the RDSS, the federal government reportedly aims to replace 100 million meters by December 2023 in areas where distribution companies face high losses. The remaining regions may be covered by March 2025.
Therefore, in Uttar Pradesh, Dakshinanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam (DVVNL), Purvanchal Vidyut Vitaran Nigam (PuVVNL), Pashchimanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam (PVVNL) and Madhyanchal Vidyut Vitaran Nigam (MVVNL) were tendered.
According to reports, DVVNL has tendered for installation of 7.916 lakh smart meters at an estimated cost of Rs 4,576.11 crore, while PuVVNL has tendered for 7.75 lakh smart meters at an estimated cost of Rs 7,452.67 crore. PVVNL has tendered 6.684 lakh smart meters at an estimated cost of Rs 5,517.77 crore, while MVVNL has tendered 6.173 lakh smart meters at an estimated cost of Rs 5,454.86 crore.
To date, about 5 million smart meters have been installed in different states. Of these, Uttar Pradesh has the largest number of meters installed (1.15 million), followed by Bihar (1.1 million), Rajasthan (550,000), Haryana (530,000) and Assam (410,000). ).
Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao recently called on the Centre to withdraw the Electricity (Amendment) Bill, which he said would have a severe impact on the poor and farmers of the country and those with access to subsidized electricity such as SC, ST households, barbers, laundry workers and weavers. cloth worker. He pointed out that a recent gazette notice made it clear that the installation of a prepaid smart meter for every electricity connection (not just agricultural pump sets) is mandatory under the provisions of the Amendment Act.
