The smart meters currently installed in all government offices across Uttarakhand, as well as in the residences of all UPCL employees, will now be converted to a prepaid mode. Furthermore, a single, unified consumer app will now be available for smart meter users throughout the entire state. Pankaj Agarwal, the Union Secretary of Power, issued these directives on Saturday during a review meeting held at the UPCL headquarters.
Union Secretary Agarwal reviewed the smart metering operations being conducted at UPCL under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS). He was informed that over 300,000 smart meters have already been installed across the state through collaborations with Adani and Genus companies. Secretary Agarwal directed that all smart meters installed at the residences and offices of government officials and employees throughout the state be converted into smart prepaid meters. Although the original plan called for installing all meters in prepaid mode, they were initially deployed in postpaid mode following public opposition.
During the meeting, officials informed the Secretary that, in addition to the official UPCL app, separate mobile applications operated by Genus (in the Garhwal region) and the Adani Group (in the Kumaon region) are currently in use. Power Secretary Pankaj Agarwal expressed his displeasure regarding this situation. He issued directives to develop a single, unified consumer app for the entire state within 15 days—an application that would enable every consumer to access comprehensive details regarding their smart meter. Currently, the UPCL app offers limited information, while more detailed data is available only on the respective company-specific apps; consequently, consumers are compelled to download and use two separate applications. However, he did express satisfaction regarding the fact that bills are now being generated within two to three days. The Union Secretary also directed officials from Genus to deploy skilled and competent human resources for their operations. Prior to the meeting, he also conducted an inspection of the UPCL data center.
**Satisfied with Efforts to Reduce Losses**
The Union Secretary of Power appeared satisfied with the measures being undertaken within the state to reduce power distribution losses. To this end, the various power corporations are implementing several initiatives, such as constructing new substations, replacing aging power lines, and upgrading conductors.
