Rajasthan government's big announcement, free smart meters will be installed on all electricity connections

 There is 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 affordable electricity to consumers, under which electricity rates will be reduced by 15 paise per unit if prepaid option is selected. The state government has issued an order in this regard, according to which all categories of consumers - be they domestic, agricultural or commercial - will have to install smart meters. The most important thing is that no fee will be charged from the consumers for installation of these smart meters. If someone asks for money for it, then they can file their complaint on the consumer. These smart meters will be linked to a special mobile application called 'Bijli Mitra'. Through this app, consumers will be able to opt for prepaid i.e. 'Pahle Paisa, Phir Bijli', which will give them a discount of 15 paisa per unit of electricity.

Key Benefits of Smart Meters:

➤ Monitoring of electricity consumption in real time: Electricity consumers will be able to see the electricity consumption in their homes, shops or factories in real time. This will keep them aware of how much electricity is being consumed.

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

➤ Quick resolution of power outage complaints: With the installation of smart meters, electricity distribution companies will know the problem of power outage immediately, so that complaints can be resolved quickly.

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

➤ Easy and automated billing process: The billing process will also be automated and very easy, which will bring 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 crores.

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

➤ Jodhpur DISCOM: 40.80 lakh meters, estimated cost Rs.2877 crores.

 

It is worth noting that during the tenure of the previous Congress government, around 5.30 lakh smart meters were installed. Now the state government is going to implement this ambitious plan in the entire state, which will not only provide cheap electricity to the electricity consumers but also help in better management of electricity usage.