The average Aggregate Technical & Commercial (AT&C) losses in Indian states were 19.92 % of total electricity supplied in 2017-18. To reduce losses to below 12 % by 2022 and below 10% by 2027 enhancement of technology is required. Main reasons behind commercial losses are:

• Low metering/ billing/ collection efficiency
• Theft of electricity
• Tampering of the metering system
• Low accountability of employees
• Absence of energy audit

EESL model

With a pioneering role in India’s energy efficiency journey, EESL’s Smart Meter National Programme (SMNP) is working to eventually replace 25 crore conventional meters with smart meters across India.

By bringing standardized solutions based on the GPRS technology, these meters will ease integration in the sector, while cutting capital costs and boosting efficiency in billing and collection. Customers will also benefit from accurate bill readings, and real-time understanding of their electricity usage, catalysing a pan-India movement towards energy efficiency.

Model of bulk procurement, aggregation of demand, and monetisation of savings will be the approach to roll out smart meters. This roll-out is proposed under the Build-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT) model, wherein EESL will undertake all the capital and operational expenditure with zero upfront investment from states and utilities. EESL will therefore, receive a nominal Internal Rate of Return that is reflected in a mutually agreed upon, automated payback structure.

Case Study

The New Delhi Municipal Corporation (NMDC) on January 2019 declared the implementation of 100% smart meter solutions for domestic consumers. A total of 50,000 smart meters were to be connected to existing and future consumer. It was assumed the project will lead to total savings of Rs. 12.47 crore to NMDC annually. EESL published quarterly data on smart meters results.

So far EESL has helped NMDC save Rs.1.2 crore per month. It has also improved billing efficiency.