Complete pending smart meter work by July 2027, says Minister
Tripura has committed to install Rooftop Solar for 2 lakh consumers by March 2027, and convert Government consumers to prepaid metering by August 2026 while pending smart meter works to be completed July 2027, Power and Housing & Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal said after reviewing the progress of the state’s power sector in Agartala on 31 May.
“This would also help in reducing the cost of electricity for these consumers,” he said, after a meeting attended by Chief Minister of Tripura Manik Saha, and the Tripura Minister for Power along with senior officials from the State Government, Ministry of Power, Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs and Power Sector CPSEs.
Also reviewed key areas where the State Power department and the State Power sector PSUs could work on with a detailed action plan.
“Matters relating to the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) and operational and financial parameters of the DISCOM were discussed,” the Power Ministry said.
He emphasised the need for reducing Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses and improving the financial performance of the DISCOMs.
Manohar Lal highlighted the need for improving the revenue collections with particular focus on prepaid conversion of meters installed with Government consumers / establishments. He reviewed the progress of smart metering in the State and advised expeditious implementation.
He further reviewed the status of resource adequacy and intra-State Transmission planning of the State so as to meet the growing demand and advised the State to ensure that transmission capacity addition keeps pace with demand growth.
“The State has committed to expeditious augmentation of intra-State transmission infrastructure and adoption as per the resource adequacy plan,” the Ministry said.
Progress under PM-KUSUM and PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana was also reviewed; the State was advised to leverage these schemes to expand access to clean energy, including in remote and underserved areas.
“Sincere efforts will go a long way in making the State DISCOM financially viable and the State power sector self-sufficient,” said the Minister, assuring of continued support and cooperation of the Government of India in the overall development of the State. Fiinews.com
