Smart metering: KSEB to form dedicated sub-division for monitoring implementation

The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) has decided to create a dedicated sub-division for monitoring the implementation of smart electricity metering in the State.

In continuation of the first phase roll-out of smart metering under the Centrally-aided Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), the KSEB has decided to form a Smart Meter and Geographic Information System (GIS) Sub-division within the Information and Technology Wing and monitoring teams at the level of the Electrical Circles.

As per the decision, there will be circle-level monitoring teams and a corporate-level monitoring team for “seamless co-ordination at multiple levels for effective planning, implementation, and monitoring in line with technical standards and project timeline,” according to the KSEB.

Earlier this month, the State power utility had announced that it begun the implementation of the first phase, which covers government consumers, high-tension (HT) consumers and feeder meters. The first meters were piloted on two government connections under the Puthenchantha electrical section in Thiruvananthapuram and seven feeder meters at the 220 kV substation at Kalamassery.

Around three lakh meters will be installed in the first phase. Close to 1.5 lakh single phase meters will be installed at government offices alone. The KSEB has announced plans to complete the installation of transformer border meters by March 2026 and HT consumer meters by August 2026.

After a move to implement smart metering on TOTEX (Total Expenditure) mode had kicked up a controversy, the Kerala government had approved a CAPEX (capital expenditure) model under which the meters will be installed in multiple phases by the KSEB.