In a significant technological advancement, the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) is gearing up to introduce prepaid smart electricity meters in Nagpur, starting from March. This initiative is part of the Central Government's Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) and is aligned with the broader 'Smart Meter National Programme' being rolled out across the country.

An official from MSEDCL disclosed that a private firm has already commenced a survey to facilitate the installation of these smart meters in Nagpur. Presently, the installation process is underway at critical locations such as substations, feeders, and crossover points in the city, with approximately 50% of the work already completed. Domestic consumers in Nagpur can anticipate receiving these smart meters starting from March onwards.

The ambitious project aims to deploy over 57 lakh smart prepaid meters in the Nagpur region alone. Under the RDSS, the Central Government has earmarked a substantial budget of Rs. 15,000 crore for the implementation of smart meters in Nagpur, Pune, Aurangabad, and the Konkan region of MSEDCL. Tenders were floated to appoint Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) service providers for the project.

The official outlined a phased approach to implementation, indicating that the first phase of the scheme will be rolled out this year.