Impacting over 1M lives : 84% reduction in distrubution losses

REQUIREMENT

Implementation of Advance Metering Infrastructure through RF Based Smart Metering Solution for consumers in Gaya Urban and Manpur Divisions of SBPDCL.

PRODUCTS USED

Three Phase Meter

Single Phase Meter

TOTAL SAVED till date

₹ L

Objectives:

The overarching goal of the Bihar project is to promote long-term, sustainable improvements in the electricity distribution infrastructure in the Gaya/Bodh Gaya and Manpur areas of Bihar. Specifically, the implementation of an Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) smart metering solution aims to achieve the following key objectives:

Enhance the operational efficiency and billing accuracy of the distribution company (DISCOM) by increasing revenue collection through reduced commercial losses.

Enhance process efficiency and service reliability by implementing robust operational visibility, automation, and control across the distribution network.

Improve the quality and reliability of electricity supply for consumers while providing options for managing electricity demand in alignment with available supply.
 

Scope:

1. Installation of 40500 smart electricity meters to the households and commercial consumers.

2. A 6.5-year operation and maintenance plan covering disconnection and reconnection procedures, manual meter readings in no-network areas, and automatic readings in network areas.

3. Implementation of prepaid meters for Discom revenue to ensure a smooth billing cycle.

4. Deploying a cloud-based AMI software platform, integrating the smart meters with the AMI application, and interfacing the AMI solution with the legacy customer billing system currently utilized by the DISCOMs

Finding:

Unauthorized Usage: An estimated 20% of consumers in the area were found to be illegally drawing power, underscoring the need for a more secure, tamper-evident metering solution.

Meter Malfunctions: Approximately 10% of existing meters were observed to be faulty, resulting in inaccurate consumption data and billing estimates.

Billing Irregularities: Reliance on manual meter readings contributes to fluctuations and delays of 3-4 months in customer billing cycles.

Billing Inaccuracy: Billing amounts derived from manual meter reads exhibited errors ranging from 5% to 10% when compared to actual consumption.

Infrastructure Deficiencies: Significant infrastructure upgrades are warranted, as existing electrical infrastructure across the target areas was found to be inadequate, with issues including missing neutral wires, open wiring, and voltage fluctuations observed.

Implementing the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) smart metering solution aims to directly address these systemic deficiencies via automated, tamper-proof meters with remote reading capabilities to enable accurate, near real-time monitoring and billing.

Operations Management:

1. Execute operations and maintenance activities associated with implementing the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) smart etering solution throughout the deployment phase.
2. Administer ongoing operations and maintenance of the implemented AMI system across the project area for 6.5 years, extendable to 10 years by mutual agreement. This sustained O&M phase would initiate after finalizing implementation.
3. In coordination with the distribution companies (DISCOMs), expand the AMI solution to integrate new customer electricity connections that are established in the project area over the contract duration.
4. Utilize data analytics capabilities of the meter data management system (MDMS) to continuously identify and flag exceptions and anomalies. Submit monthly reports to the DISCOMs summarizing noted issues to enable further investigation and corrective actions.

Outcomes

1. Implementation of smart metering will significantly improve billing accuracy and transparency through automated consumption monitoring and charges aligned with actual usage.
2. Tamper-proof smart meters with remote monitoring will deter electricity theft and unauthorized usage, contributing to enhanced revenue collection.
3.Transitioning to automated smart meter reading and potential prepaid functionality will increase process efficiency and reduce delays compared to manual approaches.
4. Upgrading outdated electricity infrastructure will enable precise customer billing, increased revenues, and lower operating costs to further the commercial sustainability of distribution.
5. Smart metering with consumption transparency and timely billing will improve the customer service capabilities of utilities in the Gaya region.
6. Modernizing the metering infrastructure addresses the needs of all distribution stakeholders, from the utility companies to the end consumers, in an equitable manner.

In summary, smart metering implementation aims to sustainably enhance access, quality, reliability and customer orientation of electricity supply in Gaya through infrastructure improvements, visibility and process automation.