Experience Polaris' adept execution of the smart meter installation mission in Ladakh's challenging terrain.
Three Phase Meter
Single Phase Meter
The primary objective of the Ladakh project is to implement the automation of electricity meter readings within the region of Ladakh, India, where the present manual billing methodology relies on conventional meter readings. The fundamental motive is to optimize the billing payment cycle, mitigate errors inherent in manual readings, and elevate the overall operational efficiency of the electricity distribution system.
Installation of 60,000 smart electricity meters within 58000 identified houselholds.
A 9-year operation and maintenance plan covering revenue collection, handling defaulters, disconnection and reconnection procedures, manual meter readings in no-network areas, and automatic readings in network areas.
Implementation of prepaid meters for Ladakh Power Distribution Department (LPDD) to ensure a smooth billing cycle and revenue realization.
Illegal Consumers: Approximately 20% of consumers were found to be using electricity illegally, highlighting the need for a more secure and tamper-proof metering system.
Faulty Meter Ratio: The ratio of faulty electricity meters stands at around 10%, leading to inaccurate consumption readings.
Billing Cycle Fluctuations: Manual reading systems contribute to billing cycle fluctuations and delays of 3-4 months.
Inaccuracy in Billing: The manual reading system results in billing inaccuracies ranging from 5% to 10%.
Satellite Imagery Analysis: A satellite survey of all households in the territory was conducted to identify areas suitable for automatic billing and those requiring manual reading due to a lack of network coverage.
Location of Smart Meters: Suggesting the installation of smart electricity meters on electricity poles instead of household walls to enhance security and prevent meter tampering. This recommendation aligns with the LPDD's (DISCOM's) strategy, ensuring that meters are more secure and less susceptible to unauthorized access.
Smart Meter Installation: Begin the installation of 60,000 smart electricity meters, with a focus on secure locations such as electricity poles.
Communication Network Enhancement: Improve communication networks in areas where smart meters are to be installed to enable automatic readings.
Prepaid Meter Deployment: Implement prepaid meters for Discom revenue to streamline the billing cycle and reduce instances of defaulters.
Monitoring and Maintenance: Establish a robust system for monitoring and maintaining the smart meters, including regular checks for faults and tampering.
Education and Outreach: Conduct awareness campaigns to educate consumers about the benefits of smart meters, addressing concerns and ensuring a smooth transition.
Improved Billing Accuracy: The implementation of smart meters is expected to significantly reduce billing inaccuracies, leading to fair and timely billing for consumers.
Reduction in Illegal Consumption: The tamper-proof nature of smart meters is likely to deter illegal consumption, contributing to increased revenue collection.
Efficient Operation: With automatic readings and a prepaid meter system, the overall operation and maintenance process is expected to become more efficient, reducing manual interventions and delays.
By implementing these recommendations, Ladakh can modernize its electricity metering system, ensuring accurate billing, deterring illegal consumption, and streamlining operational processes for the benefit of both consumers and the electricity distribution company.
10 year engagement with DISCOM South Bihar Power Distribution Corporation Limited to install and manage smart metering across regions
