A prepaid Smart meter box of the Department of Power Nagaland. (Morung File Photo)
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DIMAPUR, AUGUST 23 (MExN): A fact-finding committee on the implementation of prepaid smart meters under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) has recommended a phased rollout in Dimapur, with a focus on government offices, institutions, industries and commercial properties, while allowing domestic consumers to choose between prepaid and existing postpaid meters.
The committee, comprising representatives from the Dimapur Urban Council Chairman Federation, Dimapur District Gaon Bura Association, and Gaon Bura Union Dimapur Sadar, was convened to review the rollout and public response. Convener Dr Kahuka Sema and co-convener Boktiba Jamir, and Secretary T. Yanbothung Kikon led the panel which include 12 members.
The RDSS, an initiative of the Government of India, aims to modernise power distribution, reduce Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses, and ensure financial sustainability. Nagaland, with AT&C losses nearly three times the national average, faces challenges such as technical inefficiencies, poor revenue collection, electricity theft, manpower shortages, and widespread billing defaults, the committee report stated.
The committee noted significant public confusion and outcry, citing concerns over forced implementation, lack of choice, unclear tariffs, technical doubts, fears of privatisation, low awareness, and maintenance challenges. Questions were also raised about whether prepaid meters guarantee 24x7 supply and the cost implications of meter repairs or replacement.
The committee outlined proposed solutions to AT&C losses and their implementation steps:
Electricity theft: A major contributor to revenue loss, estimated at 30–40% of total losses. Proposed solution: conversion of cables to underground systems. Implementation: prioritise theft-prone areas and strengthen enforcement against illegal connections.
Lack of manpower: Insufficient meter readers lead to irregular billing. Solution: convert government offices, commercial properties, and industries to prepaid smart meters to reduce manual intervention. Implementation: install meters in the identified locations to ease staff workload.
Power communitisation: Unmetered supply in villages leads to unpaid bills. Solution: engage communities to transition to metered prepaid connections. Implementation: conduct awareness campaigns to educate villagers.
Government defaults: Unpaid bills from government offices worsen revenue gaps. Solution: mandate prepaid meters in all government buildings and enforce payment discipline. Implementation: install meters in government facilities and deduct bills from department budgets.
Cross-border power supply issues: Further aggravates revenue loss. Solution: coordinate interstate supply. Implementation: disconnect power supply to unauthorised areas immediately.
The report emphasised that the phased approach ensures the government meets targets for reducing AT&C losses and secures continued central funding. It recommended allowing domestic consumers to voluntarily opt for smart meters, maintaining postpaid meters for those who pay regularly, and implementing robust awareness and education campaigns.
“This strategy respects consumer choice, fosters trust between authorities and communities, and promotes social harmony while modernising Nagaland’s power sector,” the report stated. Recommendations include infrastructure improvement, enhanced customer care services, and promoting low unit cost electricity to attract more users.
