Archive · 24 Sep 2026
Smart Meters Could Reshape Odisha’s Power Sector Through Transparency
Smart meters are digital electricity meters that can send usage information to power companies.
Kulamani Biswal says they could make electricity billing more accurate and transparent in Odisha.
Consumers may be able to see how much electricity they use more clearly.
Power companies could identify unusual usage, possible tampering and network problems more quickly.
The information could also help companies plan for changing electricity demand.
Some smart-meter systems can work like prepaid mobile phones, letting people add money before using electricity.
Smart meters alone are not enough to reform the power system.
They also need secure computer systems, reliable communication networks, clear rules and good customer support.
Consumers should be told how the meters work and how to raise complaints.
Former NTPC Limited finance director Kulamani Biswal says smart meters can improve transparency and accountability in Odisha’s electricity distribution system.
Digital meters can provide more accurate consumption records, reduce reliance on manual readings and help consumers monitor usage.
Utilities could use detailed data to improve billing, collections, loss detection, load management and demand forecasting.
Smart meters may support prepaid electricity models, allowing consumers to recharge balances and track spending.
The transition requires reliable communications, data systems, cybersecurity, consumer education, customer service and regulatory oversight.
- Who
- Kulamani Biswal, former Director of Finance at NTPC Limited, discussed the potential role of smart meters in Odisha’s power sector.
- What
- The expansion of smart metering is being presented as a way to improve billing accuracy, transparency, operational efficiency and the financial sustainability of electricity distribution.
- When
- The statement was published on September 23; the year is not specified in the article.
- Where
- Odisha, India; the dateline is New Delhi.
- Why
- Smart meters can provide near-real-time consumption data, strengthen billing and collection, help identify losses and support better electricity-network planning.
- Subject
- Smart-meter expansion in Odisha’s electricity sector
- Proponent quoted
- Kulamani Biswal, former Director of Finance at NTPC Limited
- Consumer benefit
- More accurate billing and greater visibility into electricity consumption
- Utility benefit
- Improved monitoring, billing, collection, loss detection and demand forecasting
- Potential payment model
- Prepaid electricity, with consumers recharging balances and tracking usage
- Relevant standard
- IS 16444 is cited as a framework for reliable and secure smart-metering systems
- Required safeguards
- Communication networks, data management, cybersecurity, consumer awareness and regulatory oversight