The central government has also directed Kerala to submit a report on the works done so far in connection with the project on 15th of this month. Unions have stepped up their opposition to introducing smart meters in the current way
First Published Dec 11, 2022, 9:34 PM IST
Thiruvananthapuram: Center’s warning to the state on smart meters. The Ministry of Energy has said that if the initial work to install smart meters is not completed, the aid of crores given to KSEB for making good the losses in the distribution sector and for modernization will have to be returned. It was also directed to submit the report of the works done so far on the 15th of this month. At the same time, the unions came forward by strengthening their opposition to bringing smart meters in the current way.
Kerala has a central sanction of Rs 12,200 crore for the purpose of reducing distribution losses, modernization and installation of smart meters. 2235.78 crore has been sanctioned only to cover losses in the distribution sector. Under the Supply Chain Restructuring Scheme, up to 60 per cent of this will get central assistance. According to the Ministry of Energy, the first phase of the smart meter installation works should be completed by the end of this month in order to receive the first installment of the grant. If not, the Rs 67 crore received in advance will have to be returned. The remaining amount, including the modernization of the power supply sector, will also be disrupted. But the stand of the labor organizations of KSEB including CITU is that the current provisions of the smart meter scheme, which brings an additional burden of Rs 9,000 crore on the consumers, is not acceptable. It is also alleged that there is an irregularity in mixing other schemes with the smart meter scheme, which receives only 15% central assistance.
Unions say that instead of buying smart meters from the current agency, REC, KSEB should buy meters from outside and develop the software itself. If this is done and network working through K-Phone is also implemented, the cost will be one-fourth of the existing cost. It is alleged that there is vested interest of some people behind installing smart meters in a hurry without exploring such a possibility.
Last Updated Dec 11, 2022, 9:35 PM IST
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