Councillors and officials during the sensitisation and
awareness programme on smart prepaid metering in Dimapur on Saturday.
- DIMAPUR — A
sensitisation and awareness programme on smart prepaid metering with the urban
local bodies (ULBs) of Dimapur Municipal Council, East Dimapur Town Council,
and Chümoukedima Town Council was held on Saturday at the State Load Dispatch
Centre (SLDC) Conference Hall, Nagarjan, Dimapur.
- On the occasion, the chief engineer (D&R), Nitovi Wotsa,
gave a brief introductory speech on the prepaid system, outlining its purpose
and benefits, including improved transparency, efficiency, and consumer
control.
- According to an update, he emphasised that smart meters
would be provided free of cost and urged stakeholders not to miss this key
opportunity for modernisation.
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- During the meeting, it was highlighted that under the
Government of India-initiated Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), two
components of work shall be implemented in parallel: 100% smart prepaid
metering of consumers and loss reduction works to improve existing distribution
systems across the state. All works have been tendered and awarded.
Implementation has begun.
- It was mentioned that funding for system improvement will be
contingent on the implementation of smart prepaid meters and the demonstration
of a reduction in revenue losses. Presently, the Department of Power’s financial
sustainability, with 50% billing efficiency, has been affecting operational
efficiency in maintaining a stable and quality power supply, 24x7.
- Hence, to address the power supply distribution system, it
is mandatory to tackle commercial losses through smart prepaid metering.
Resistance from civil societies and consumers, particularly in Dimapur—with the
largest consumer concentration and the most revenue-intensive town—remains a
significant challenge and impediment to project implementation.
- All elected councillors were sensitised on the matter and
requested to support the Department’s initiative by educating residential
households in their respective wards and colonies.
- Also, during the meeting, it was resolved that the
department would undertake rigorous sensitisation and awareness campaigns in
all wards.
