SRINAGAR: Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) has installed 90,000 smart meters in the Srinagar district, ahead of the holy month of Ramadan, to improve power supply.
Speaking to the media, MD KPDCL Yasin Choudhary stated that the installation process had been ongoing for several months, and the focus now is on providing an uninterrupted 24-hour power supply to consumers with smart meters. The department is committed to delivering on its promise to provide uninterrupted power supply during Ramadan.
“We have completed the installation of smart meters for about 1,000 consumers in Downtown Srinagar, including the areas of Hawal, KK Mohalla, Rainawari, and Khanyar,” said MD KPDCL Yasin Choudhary. “Although we faced resistance in some areas, we want people to understand the benefits of smart meters. With accurate readings directly generated from the system, there is no chance of any human errors in the billing process. Additionally, we are providing good voltage and increasing the efficiency with the use of smart meters.” Choudhary emphasized that smart meters will not only ensure accurate billing but also benefit consumers in numerous ways.
Talking about the non-metered areas, he added that before the smart meters, people used to think that if they installed smart meters, they might get access and a hectic electricity bill. “Now, the same has been effectively demonstrated. We have also noted that no major changes have been seen in bill cycling and people can now monitor all the readings directly from their phone.”
People are using and monitoring their power consumption accordingly, which is giving them the insight to save electricity and manage their bills well.
Regarding the issue of meter-tampering, Chaudhary said under the supply code and other prominent acts, there are many ways that any consumer or member of the public who is tampering with the meter in any way, he/she will be fined and dealt with under strict law.
“Our peak-load demand in peak winters was roughly 2900 megawatts, and it has now fallen to a solid 2000 megawatts at this time. As the weather conditions are also favorable, we have 1700 megawatts maintained as far as availability is considered.”
The curtailment is reducing day by day, and by the beginning of Ramadan, we will be able to ensure a much better scenario. “In any case, the time of Sehri and Iftar will not be affected in any manner, and we will do all the special arrangements that are required”, he said adding specified time slots for Sehri, Iftar or Tarawih will not be affected in any manner. (GNS)
