Power dept clarifies how smart meters work amid roll-out plans

Officials stated that replacement of existing meters is being carried out free of cost and urged consumers to rely only on authorised channels for payments and updates. The state government has recently put the wider rollout of smart meter replacement under review, with awareness among consumers deemed key as the transition progresses.

Officials reiterated safeguards in the prepaid model, including balance alerts, a grace period, and emergency credit before any supply disruption. The system enables users to monitor daily consumption, receive SMS alerts, and recharge through mobile apps and digital payment platforms.

In Noida zone, the rollout remains at an early stage with roughly 8–9% of the targeted installations completed so far, according to PVVNL officials.

Officials said the roll-out, which is still at an initial stage, has been paused to address resident concerns. An advisory issued is primarily for consumers where meters have already been installed, so doubts can be addressed. There is no immediate deadline for resuming installations.

Officials said the smart meter system shifts billing to a prepaid model with real-time usage updates. The meters record electricity usage precisely in real time, and there is no change in tariff. In some cases, earlier unbilled or under-recorded consumption may reflect once accurate readings are captured. Sanjay Kumar, chief engineer, PVVNL (Noida zone), noted that the system will allow consumers to monitor daily consumption via mobile apps and that feedback from users has largely been positive. The plan targets Gautam Budh Nagar and is in an initial rollout stage.