Smart Meters Will Not Impose Any Additional Cost On Consumers: APSPDCL
“The proposal to implement smart meters in the state was approved by the AP Electricity Regulatory Commission (APERC) in February 2021": APSPDCL chairman and managing director K. Santosh Rao
TIRUPATI: The Andhra Pradesh Southern Power Distribution Company Limited (APSPDCL) has clarified that the installation of smart electricity meters will not result in any additional burden on consumers.
Addressing public concerns on Friday, APSPDCL chairman and managing director K. Santosh Rao stated that there is no need for confusion or apprehension regarding the smart meter rollout, as consumers are not required to pay any installation charges or additional amounts in their electricity bills.
He explained that smart meters are being introduced as part of the central government’s Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), a nationwide initiative aimed at modernising power distribution.
“The proposal to implement smart meters in the state was approved by the AP Electricity Regulatory Commission (APERC) in February 2021. Based on this approval, APSPDCL has begun installing smart meters in government and commercial services and is now extending the rollout to domestic consumers with high electricity consumption,” he stated.
Santosh Rao said that smart meters will enhance transparency in billing and offer more control to consumers over their electricity usage. “Unlike conventional meters, smart meters allow real-time monitoring through the Smart Meter Consumer App, enabling users to track their power consumption and adjust usage accordingly. The app also provides timely alerts and detailed billing information directly on consumers’ mobile phones,” he explained.
The CMD made it clear that there are no hidden or additional charges involved in this transition. Consumers will continue to receive their monthly electricity bills as usual, with no changes in the billing structure due to the smart meters. The assumption that electricity bills will increase because of smart meters is incorrect, he added.
To ensure public awareness, APSPDCL is conducting outreach efforts to explain the features and benefits of smart meters to consumers before installation. Santosh Rao reiterated that there is no need for suspicion or fear about the new system, as it is designed to benefit users by improving efficiency and offering better insight into electricity usage. Consumers with queries or concerns about the smart meters can call the toll-free number 1912 for assistance and clarification, he said.
