The Department of Power, Office of the Sub-Divisional Officer (Electrical), Jalukie under Peren, organized an awareness programme on Smart Meter Implementation and the Rooftop Solar Scheme at the Women Welfare Hall, Jalukie Town on July 15.
Speaking at the programme, EE (E), Peren, Electrical Division, Er Tsiamchi, informed that the installation of smart meters is a Government of India initiative being implemented nationwide as part of its power sector reforms. He said that 1,890 smart meters have already been installed in the division.
He stated that the awareness programme was organized to clear doubts and misconceptions regarding smart meter installation.
Highlighting the benefits of the technology, he said smart meters accurately record electricity consumption, allow consumers to choose between prepaid and postpaid billing options, and are essential for availing rooftop solar installations under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana.
Tsiamchi also appealed to public leaders and town councillors to create greater awareness among the people and encourage cooperation for the successful implementation of the initiative. He also said that the head office has directed the department to report areas or villages where residents are reluctant to install smart meters.
EAC Jalukie, Sizin Renttah, in his short speech emphasised the importance of public awareness and community participation for the successful implementation of smart meters. He urged consumers not to be reluctant to install smart meters due to misconceptions and encouraged the department to organize more awareness programmes to educate consumers on judicious use of electricity by avoiding unnecessary power consumption.
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A technical session on smart meter implementation was conducted by ANVIL. During the session, the resource person explained that the Smart Metering Project is an initiative of the Ministry of Power, Government of India, aimed at modernising the electricity distribution system by replacing conventional electricity meters with smart meters.
Participants were briefed on the features, benefits & challenges and importance of smart meters in improving billing efficiency, transparency and consumer services.
A representative from A&D Solar, Miile Puro, delivered a presentation on the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. He explained the two types of rooftop solar systems available under the scheme: On-grid Solar Systems, which are comparatively low-cost and operate without battery backup, and Hybrid Solar Systems, which are more expensive but provide battery backup and greater convenience.
He also briefed the participants on the installation process and the documents required for obtaining loans by government employees and business owners. Further, Puro encouraged the public to take advantage of the scheme to reduce electricity costs while promoting clean and sustainable energy.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by SDO (E), Jalukie, N David Richa and a welcome address by JE, Jalukie, Pezieying Iheilung. A representative of the Jalukie Town Council delivered a short speech on behalf of the Chairman. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by JE, Ahthibung, Shanchothung Odyuo.
An interactive session was also held, providing participants an opportunity to seek clarifications on smart meter implementation and the rooftop solar scheme.
