The Central government has sanctioned Rs 469 crore for the installation of smart electricity meters in houses by replacing the old electricity meters. The tendering process for these smart meters will be completed by December 2022 and later the work of installation of these meters will commence, said Power Minister Sudin Dhavalikar.
Dhavalikar informed that recently during the conference with the Central Minister R K Singh, the amount was sanctioned for the installation of these meters.
Dhavalikar admitted that Goa is lagging in installing these smart meters and still continues to use conventional meters. The old meters will be replaced by the new ones by December-January once the tendering process is completed.
Highlighting the features of this smart electricity meters, the minister said that these meters will bring in transparency and accountability in the electricity department. Regular paying of electricity bills, proper usage of power and smart payment of bills in online mode will happen.
When asked whether people will have to pay charges to smart meters, Minister added that these charges will be deducted partially from their electricity bills.