Awareness programme on smart metering under RDSS held in Pughoboto.
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DIMAPUR — A sensitisation and awareness programme on smart metering under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) was held at the ADC’s conference hall in Pughoboto, Zunheboto district, on April 9.
According to a DIPR report, the programme provided key clarifications regarding the implementation of smart metering in the subdivision.
Chairing the meeting, SDO (Civil) Yithachu Thur said the move is essential to address Nagaland’s ongoing power challenges, including energy deficit, weak infrastructure and poor revenue collection.
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Thur also outlined the importance of smart metering as one of the components of RDSS for power sector reform in the country.
The SDO Power (III), Kohima division, responded to objections from GBs of Pughoboto Adhoc Town, who had sought a halt to prepaid smart meter implementation due to the town’s non-notified status.
He emphasised that RDSS consists of two components — smart metering and infrastructure upgrade—and urged stakeholders to support the initiative.
It was clarified that Pughoboto, being an administrative headquarters, is mandated to install smart meters to all consumers, including government offices and quarters under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), despite concerns raised by local representatives.
Executive Engineer Sheludi Longkumer presented details of the scheme, addressing misconceptions and assuring stakeholders of the system’s reliability, transparency and accuracy.
It was highlighted that installation of smart meters will be free of cost until 2028.
Consumers will retain the option to choose between prepaid and postpaid billing, with prepaid systems offering lower tariffs and INR 300 credit facility even after balance exhaustion, preventing immediate disconnection.
The meeting also resolved to post a billing assistant at the Pughoboto office to assist consumers facing difficulties with online payments.
Concluding the meeting, the chair urged the public to cooperate in adopting smart metering to enable faster infrastructure improvements such as transformers and street lighting.