Smart Meter National Programme (SMNP)

SMNP is an initiative by Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) and IntelliSmart to implement a smart metering program across India. The goal is to improve billing and collection efficiencies for Distribution Companies (DISCOMs) by deploying smart meters.

Introduction to SMNP

SMNP is an initiative by Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) and its joint venture IntelliSmart for the implementation of a smart metering program across India. The primary objective is to significantly improve the billing and collection efficiencies of Distribution Companies (DISCOMs) through the deployment of smart meters. Smart meters will serve as the foundation for the smart grid program, which is crucial to meet the challenges of the evolving energy mix and the goal of providing uninterrupted 24x7 power supply to every Indian.

Benefits of Smart Metering

Smart meters are connected through a web-based monitoring system, enabling real-time data collection and analysis.This technology helps reduce commercial losses for utilities by improving billing accuracy and minimizing revenue leakages. Smart meters enhance revenue generation for DISCOMs by enabling efficient billing and collection processes. They serve as an important tool in power sector reforms, promoting transparency, accountability, and efficient energy management.

EESL's Business Model

EESL's business model aims to revamp the current manual system of revenue collection, which often leads to low billing and poor collection efficiencies. EESL provides smart meters to DISCOMs without any upfront investment from the utilities, thereby reducing the financial burden on them. The cost of the smart meters is recovered through a portion of the resulting savings in Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses.

State-wise Implementation

EESL has signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) or agreements for the deployment of smart meters with several states, including Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Bihar, New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) in Delhi, and Telangana. NDMC became the first utility to have all its consumers equipped with smart meters without any upfront investment. As of now, EESL has installed over 35.75 lakh (3.575 million) smart meters in Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana, Bihar, Rajasthan, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands under this program. Additionally, IntelliSmart has installed 3.03 lakh (303,000) smart meters in the state of Assam.

Future Outlook

The SMNP aims to pave the way for the large-scale adoption of smart grid technologies across India, enabling efficient energy management and promoting sustainable energy practices. Smart meters will play a pivotal role in addressing the challenges of the evolving energy mix, integrating renewable energy sources, and ensuring reliable and uninterrupted power supply to consumers. The program is expected to drive significant improvements in the operational efficiency and financial viability of DISCOMs, contributing to the overall transformation of the power sector in India.

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