Raipur / Smart meters are not a separate scheme of any state government, but a national initiative implemented across the country under the Government of India's Restructured Distribution Sector Scheme. Under this scheme, smart meters are being installed in various states, including Chhattisgarh, in accordance with the guidelines and standards set by the central government. By implementing this central scheme, the state government is working towards making the electricity distribution system more transparent, modern, and consumer-friendly.

The central government decided to implement the Smart Metering Scheme across the country in July 2021. Its objective is to increase the efficiency of power distribution companies, reduce technical and commercial losses, improve the quality of power supply, and provide accurate billing to consumers.

The decision to implement the smart meter project in Chhattisgarh was made by the previous government in 2022. Following the issuance of tenders and award of work orders, the installation of smart meters began in February 2024. Currently, the Chhattisgarh government is implementing the project based on previously issued tenders, contracts, and work orders.

The target is to install smart meters for about 55 lakh consumers in the state, out of which about 40 lakh meters have been installed.

Smart meters offer consumers many benefits. Electricity consumption data is available every 30 minutes, allowing consumers to better monitor their usage. The possibility of meter readers recording inaccurate readings is eliminated, and billing is more accurate.

Additionally, smart meters provide real-time access to technical data, including power load, voltage, and energy consumption. This allows the power distribution company to continuously analyze network health, identify overloading, voltage fluctuations, or supply-related problems in a timely manner, and take necessary corrective action. This ultimately benefits consumers in the form of more reliable and quality power supply.

The Energy Department states that the purpose of smart metering is not to impose additional burdens on consumers, but rather to make the power distribution system more transparent, accountable, and technology-based. This entire process is being conducted in accordance with the central government's plan and guidelines.