A newly-released “Report on status of metering in the country” of Central Electricity Authority (CEA) observes that only 42 per cent of India’s total number of distribution transformers (DT) were metered, as of March 31, 2024.
The study shows that DT metering was higher at 62.8 per cent in urban areas than in rural areas where the metric was just 38.2 per cent, on a pan-India basis. (See table)
The CEA report acknowledged that the overall percentage of metered DTs in the country is low but states like Delhi, Kerala, Gujarat and Goa, among others, have taken commendable effort in ensuring high level of DT metering. Four states –Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Goa and Mizoram – had 100 per cent DT metering. Of these, Gujarat is significant as it is also a leading states in terms of number of DTs – standing at nearly 19 lakh as of March 31, 2024.
On the other hand, there are certain states that require additional focus and efforts to improve DT metering, the report observed. States such as Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Punjab, West Bengal etc. have DT metering percentages below 25 per cent. “It is crucial for these states to prioritize and dedicate resources to improve their metering infrastructure,” the CEA report said.
Metering DTs is essential for accurate energy auditing and accounting for the energy flowing from feeders to consumers. As per a Union power ministry notification, all distribution transformers except those supplying to only agricultural consumers, HVDS (high voltage distribution system) transformers with capacities up to 25 kVA and other DTs with capacities less than 25kVA, shall be metered with communicable AMI/AMR meters.
Till date, 52 lakh DT meters have been sanctioned under RDSS, the report added.
Featured photograph shows a distribution transformer in rural Maharashtra.
