There is a great news for electricity consumers in Rajasthan! The state government is soon going to start the process of installing free 'smart meters' on about 1.43 crore electricity connections across the state. The main objective of this initiative is to provide cheap electricity to consumers...

 There is a great news for electricity consumers in Rajasthan! The state government is soon going to start the process of installing free 'smart meters' on about 1.43 crore electricity connections across the state. The main objective of this initiative is to provide cheap electricity to the consumers, under which the electricity rates will be reduced by 15 paise per unit on choosing the prepaid option. The state government has issued orders in this regard, according to which it will be mandatory for all categories of consumers - whether domestic, agricultural or commercial - to install smart meters. The most important thing is that no fee will be charged from the consumers for installing these smart meters. If someone asks for money for this, then the consumer can register his complaint. These smart meters will be connected to a special mobile application called 'Bijli Mitra'. Through this app, consumers will be able to choose the option of prepaid i.e. 'first money, then electricity', which will give them a discount of 15 paise per unit of electricity.

Key benefits of smart meters:

➤ Monitoring electricity consumption in real time: Electricity consumers will be able to see the electricity consumption in their home, shop or factory in real time. This will let them know how much electricity is being spent.

➤ Control over unnecessary electricity consumption: Consumers will be able to monitor excessive electricity consumption. They will be able to effectively manage the power load by switching off unnecessary electrical appliances.

➤ Quick resolution of power outage complaints: With the installation of smart meters, power distribution companies will immediately know the problem of power outage, which will lead to faster resolution of complaints.

➤ Reduction of errors in bills: Smart meters automatically send readings, which will significantly reduce the chances of errors in electricity bills.

➤ Easy and automated billing process: The billing process will also become automated and very easy, which will provide convenience to consumers.

Number and estimated cost of smart meters to be installed in various discoms:

➤ Jaipur Discom: 47.63 lakh meters, estimated cost Rs 3138 crore.

➤ Ajmer Discom: 54.32 lakh meters, estimated cost Rs 3663 crore.

➤ Jodhpur Discom: 40.80 lakh meters, estimated cost Rs 2877 crore.

It is worth noting that during the tenure of the previous Congress government, about 5.30 lakh smart meters were installed as an experiment. Now the state government is going to implement this ambitious scheme in the entire state, which will not only provide cheap electricity to electricity consumers but will also help in better managing the use of electricity.