NEW DELHI. Smart meters should not remain just a technology rollout, but must become a meaningful interface between consumers and distribution companies, an official of the Ministry of Power said today.
Addressing the 11th edition of Metering India 2026 in New Delhi, Joint Secretary (Distribution) in the Ministry of Power, Shashank Misra, said that smart metering is entering a crucial phase in India’s power sector digitalisation journey. Mr Misra highlighted that under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), 20 crore smart meters have been sanctioned and more than seven crore meters have already been installed across the country.
He said that smart meters should become useful tools for consumers, while also helping discom engineers and field staff make better decisions through data. The Joint Secretary further said that junior engineers and distribution company staff should not merely act on instructions from corporate offices, but should be able to directly understand and use smart meter data in the field.
He noted that less than 20 percent of consumers with smart meters are currently using the associated mobile applications and stressed the need to address this gap. He also underlined the need for stronger consumer engagement and better data-driven solutions.
Metering India, organised by IEEMA—the Indian Electrical and Electronics Manufacturers’ Association—began today and will continue till tomorrow, with the theme ‘Smart Metering – The Catalyst for Power Sector Digitalization’. The event is structured across five focused sessions designed to spark substantive dialogue on the most pressing challenges and opportunities in smart metering.
