A parliamentary panel has urged the power ministry to undertake urgent measures to accelerate the installation of smart meters in a structured and time-bound manner. According to the Eleventh Report of the Committee on 'Demands for Grants (2026-27) of the Ministry of Power' tabled in Parliament on Thursday, the committee noted that the pace of installation has been far below envisaged targets. The report emphasized the need for clearly defined state-wise and utility-wise milestones to significantly accelerate the rollout. As reported by PTI, the committee specifically recommended that the ministry should undertake urgent measures to significantly accelerate the rollout of smart meters in a structured and time-bound manner.
The government had set a target of installing 25 crore smart meters in the country by March 2025, against which only 5.83 crore smart meters have been installed till February 15, 2026. As reported by the committee, despite the installation rate increasing to about 1,35,000 per day, it may still be insufficient to bridge the large gap between the specified target and corresponding achievements within the revised timeline up to March 2028. The panel noted that the pace of installation of smart meters across the country has been far below the envisaged targets, making urgent acceleration measures essential.
The committee observed that frequent complaints are being reported by consumers across states regarding billing inaccuracies, errors during data migration, concerns over data privacy, and frequent replacements of consumer meters. According to the report, these issues have the potential to erode consumer confidence and undermine the very objectives of smart metering as a tool for reform. The panel suggested robust mechanisms should be put in place to address consumer concerns and ensure stringent testing, certification and quality assurance of smart meters before installation. Additionally, it recommended that a Quality Monitoring Mechanism should be devised to ensure accountability of Advanced Metering Infrastructure Service Providers and discoms in this regard.
The committee has proposed comprehensive consumer protection measures beyond quality assurance. It suggested that discoms be directed to establish transparent and responsive consumer grievance mechanisms, including time-bound resolution of billing disputes and mandatory installation of check meters in case of complaints. The panel also recommended comprehensive and adequate safeguards should be instituted to ensure consumer data privacy and cyber security of the smart metering infrastructure, including clear guidelines on data ownership, access, storage and grievance redressal. These measures aim to address the concerns that have been eroding consumer confidence in the smart metering system.
Smart meters are a key part of the revamped distribution sector scheme launched by the Government of India to modernise the power distribution system and reduce losses. Companies involved in smart meter manufacturing or deployment include Genus Power Infrastructures, HPL Electric & Power, Adani Energy Solutions, and ITI Limited, among others. As reported by Upstox, shares of these smart meter manufacturers are expected to hog the limelight on Friday, March 13, following the parliamentary panel's recommendations. The panel's focus on accelerating installation and addressing consumer concerns is likely to drive investor interest in companies involved in smart meter manufacturing and deployment.
