Centre sets August 2025 deadline for smart meters in government buildings

The Ministry of Power has directed that all government offices, buildings, and residential colonies be equipped with prepaid smart meters by August 2025. The goal is to reduce AT&C (Aggregate Technical & Commercial) losses and improve billing accuracy.

This was announced at the Western States Power Conference in Mumbai on 13 May. Union Power Minister Manohar Lal stressed cooperation between the Centre and States to meet the Viksit Bharat 2047 goals. He urged States to improve storage through pumped hydro and battery systems, and to expand nuclear capacity to 100 GW by 2047.

He also called for timely tariff payments, better billing, and cost-reflective tariffs to ensure DISCOM viability. The distribution sector, he said, remains the weakest link due to delays in subsidy payments and poor collection efficiency.

The Minister praised Gujarat, Goa, and Chhattisgarh for cutting losses and urged States to use RDSS funds to expand smart metering. He emphasised the use of AI and analytics to improve consumer interaction.

Maharashtra’s Chief Minister requested central support to restructure DISCOM debt. Other State energy ministers also called for continued assistance.