DGVCL to start installing smart prepaid meter boxes from next month

Company IntelliSmart has been tasked to supply and install the smart meters in key locations such as Piplod (Surat), Jamnagar, Dahegam (Gandhinagar), and Akota (Vadodara).

DGVCL, with a consumer base exceeding 2 lakh in Surat city and over 1.5 lakh in Surat district, is set to launch the pilot project in Piplod. While initially, around 30,000 consumers will be provided smart meters, it will later be extended to around 5,000 government offices in Surat. Following successful implementation, the initiative will cover additional areas.

DGVCL Chief Engineer and in charge of the project, J S Kedaria, said: “We have procured 50,000 smart prepaid meter boxes that are currently undergoing tests. By mid-January, we will plan to commence installations in Piplod and government offices.”

“Consumers will be required to install a mobile application on their phones, enabling regular recharges. This app will also facilitate real-time notifications about power outages, pinpointing faults and estimating repair times,” he said, adding that even when the recharge would end, the power supply will continue for 8 to 10 hours.

Kedaria also highlighted the financial incentives for consumers.

“The cost of a single smart prepaid meter box is approximately Rs 6,000, but it will be provided free to consumers… Additionally, power supply companies stand to benefit from the reduction of issues such as power theft, improved energy accounting and streamlined complaint resolution.”

Addressing concerns about accessibility, he added, “For those facing challenges in recharging via cellphones, we plan to establish recharge centres at all DGVCL offices.”

As the initiative takes root in Surat, there are plans to extend it to neighbouring districts like Bharuch, Navsari, Valsad, Tapi and Dang.