TSECL launches ₹603 crore smart meter project in Tripura

The Tripura State Electricity Corporation Ltd (TSECL) has announced plans to install six lakh smart meters across the state by March 2027, aiming to curb power theft, improve billing accuracy, and enhance overall electricity supply. So far, 88,748 smart meters have already been installed under the ambitious project, which is being implemented in alignment with the Centre’s Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) and backed by funding from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The project, with a total estimated cost of ₹603 crore, represents a major leap toward creating a smart grid system in the northeastern state.

Speaking at a press conference, TSECL Managing Director Biswajit Basu said the smart meters are equipped with advanced communication technology that allows automated, real-time, and remote monitoring of electricity consumption. “This eliminates the need for manual meter reading and supports both prepaid and postpaid billing systems,” he said. Basu highlighted that these meters also enable consumers to monitor their electricity usage through a dedicated mobile app, empowering them to make informed choices and conserve energy. “One of the major benefits is real-time energy monitoring, which not only improves transparency but also helps in quick fault detection and efficient management,” he added.

The smart meters have already been installed in government quarters, including the residences of ministers, MLAs, and senior bureaucrats, as part of efforts to build public trust in the technology and demonstrate its effectiveness from the top.According to Basu, the new system ensures wireless data transmission via cellular or Wi-Fi networks, allowing seamless data collection and billing. “This leads to highly accurate bills, as real-time readings reduce the risk of human errors,” he said.

By Sonakshi Sarkar