Agartala, September 24, 2025: Tripura Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath on Tuesday clarified that the ongoing installation of smart meters in Tripura under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) is a major step toward modernizing electricity distribution in the state.

Speaking on the final day of the Assembly session, Nath explained that unlike conventional meters, which only record unit consumption, smart meters are equipped with a two-way communication system enabling direct data exchange with the Tripura State Electricity Corporation Limited (TSECL).

“These meters are tested as per both Indian and international standards. Their high accuracy ensures billing is done strictly on actual consumption, reducing errors and disputes,” Nath said. He added that consumers can now track daily electricity usage, manage expenses better, and make digital payments without relying on meter readers or manual billing.

Highlighting the benefits, the minister said smart meters will improve transparency, cut operational costs for TSECL, strengthen grid management, and help detect power faults quickly. They also support prepaid options, reduce electricity theft, and enhance revenue collection.

Addressing public concerns, Nath dismissed claims that smart meters inflate bills. “This is a misconception. Earlier, some faulty meters or collusion with meter readers led to underbilling. With smart meters, accurate consumption is recorded, and in some cases, past arrears from old meters are reflected in current bills, giving an impression of higher charges. In reality, consumers are paying a fair and transparent bill,” he clarified.

Nath further informed that smart meters enable advanced monitoring at the transformer level, ensuring proper load management and quick response to outages. In case of faults, meters automatically alert the TSECL monitoring centre for immediate corrective action.

Under the RDSS, smart meters are being provided to consumers at no additional cost, with funding shared by the Central and State governments. “This marks a significant stride toward modernizing India’s electricity system,” the minister said.