Now, ‘Smart meters’ to curb Power theft.

Orissa,India

In view of the power distribution companies incurring heavy losses due to unbilled consumption and unlawful usage, ‘smart meters’ would soon be installed in the State’s urban areas to curb meter tampering and power theft.

The State Government would instal smart meters on a pilot basis in Sambalpur and Rourkela For Sambalpur, the Government would procure 4,500 prepaid meters.

Notably, smart meters consist of two units: the metering device, which is with the distribution or utility company and a display unit that is installed at the consumer’s house.The distribution firms can detect unusually heavy demand, which may point to tapping of wires.The Governments of Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, New Delhi and Puducherry have already implemented this system.[Courtesy;The Pioneer]