I observe a cluttered laboratory workbench laden with smart meters and accreditation certificates, hinting at compromised oversight. LUCKNOW: The National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) has clarified in writing that the Hi-Tech Test Laboratory of Madhyanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited (MVVNL), Lucknow, does not have accreditation or approved scope for testing smart meters under IS 16444 (Part 1 and Part 2), the standards that govern smart prepaid meters.The clarification comes amid a dispute over a May 14 official statement issued by the MVVNL laboratory, which claimed that the facility was technically competent to conduct acceptance testing of smart meters with reference to IS 13779, IS 14697 and IS 16444. The lab had also maintained that its NABL accreditation and calibrated testing facilities made it fully capable of carrying out such tests.However, responding to a complaint raised by Uttar Pradesh Rajya Vidyut Upbhokta Parishad (UPRVUP), NABL stated that testing under IS 16444 (Part 1 and Part 2) is not covered under the accredited scope of the laboratory.“The consumer body has sought to probe the matter in detail, as the laboratory’s written statement could create confusion regarding the actual scope of its accreditation,” said Avadhesh Kumar Verma, the chairman of UPRVUP.The matter is already under the scrutiny of the Uttar Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (UPERC). On May 21, the commission issued a notice to the managing director of MVVNL seeking clarification on allegations that smart prepaid meters were tested at the laboratory despite the absence of accreditation under IS 16444 standards.Sources said MVVNL is yet to submit its response to the regulator.“With NABL’s clarification now on record and UPERC awaiting an explanation, pressure is mounting on the utility over the claims made regarding smart meter testing,” added Verma.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorArvind ChauhanWhen he’s not chasing stories, you’ll likely find him exploring food lanes, indulging in mutton delicacies and sundaes. He is a journalist with a can-do spirit and a flair for compelling storytelling. From railways and aviation to defence, infrastructure, social development and various other diverse beats, his reportage reflects depth. His work has earned him the Times Scribe Award four times.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosTamil Nadu CM Vijay Holds Talks With Congress Top Brass In Delhi Amid New Political SpeculationPM Modi Marks Historic Tenure, Credits NDA’s 12-Year Journey For India’s TransformationMEA Condemns Oman Ship Attack As 21 Indians Rescued, Three Crew Members Still MissingAt NDA Conclave, PM Modi Contrasts Congress Era With ‘NDA’s Development Record’ | WatchYusuf Pathan, Shatrughan Sinha, Sayoni Ghosh Among 19 MPs In Rebel Camp | WatchFrom Himanta To Bhupender: Are BJP Leaders Accelerating The TMC Rebellion?Pakistan Army Mi-17 Helicopter Crashes Near Muzaffarabad, All On Board Killed | WatchTMC Denies Congress Merger Buzz After Mamata-Sonia, Rahul-Abhishek Meetings | WatchAI-171 Victims’ Families Question Claim Waivers Before Probe Ends; Air India Denies PressureAfter Weeks In Captivity, 14 Freed In Manipur, Search Intensifies For Six Missing Men123Photostories5 new sneakers releasing this June that are worth the hypeExclusive – Rubina Dilaik recalls hiding her pregnancy during a Punjabi film shoot, talks about mom guilt and motherhood; says, ‘My nose would start bleeding on set due to the extreme heat’6 subtle habits that make people lose respect for you, as per psychologistWhich quality makes others jealous of you? find out based on your birth date7 meaningful ways to celebrate your child’s biggest momentsYou don’t need a Gout attack to have high Uric Acid: The subtle symptoms doctors don’t want you to ignoreFrom Vinod Kambli to Virat Kohli; famous cricketers who own luxurious properties in Mumbai’s premium neighbourhoodsFrom brightening creams to face serums: Why men’s skincare is finally having its moment in IndiaAll about ‘How to Train Your Dragon 2’ live-action cast: From Cate Blanchett to Mason ThamesSleeping enough but still tired? These vitamin deficiencies could explain why123Hot PicksSourth Africa ShootingBharathirajaDelhi hotel fireAshok MuralidaranFIFA World Cup ScheduleKarnataka Trader NewsHector PennKerala Plus One ResultTNEA Random NumberTop TrendingBAN vs AUS Live ScoreUS Iran warGold Rate TodayFIFA World Cup 2026Delhi Hotel FireChennai TNSTC BusMeerut Conversion CaseBareilly NewsFilmmaker Bharathiraja DeathKarnataka Murder
LUCKNOW: The National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) has clarified in writing that the Hi-Tech Test Laboratory of Madhyanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited (MVVNL), Lucknow, does not have accreditation or approved scope for testing smart meters under IS 16444 (Part 1 and Part 2), the standards that govern smart prepaid meters.The clarification comes amid a dispute over a May 14 official statement issued by the MVVNL laboratory, which claimed that the facility was technically competent to conduct acceptance testing of smart meters with reference to IS 13779, IS 14697 and IS 16444. The lab had also maintained that its NABL accreditation and calibrated testing facilities made it fully capable of carrying out such tests.However, responding to a complaint raised by Uttar Pradesh Rajya Vidyut Upbhokta Parishad (UPRVUP), NABL stated that testing under IS 16444 (Part 1 and Part 2) is not covered under the accredited scope of the laboratory.“The consumer body has sought to probe the matter in detail, as the laboratory’s written statement could create confusion regarding the actual scope of its accreditation,” said Avadhesh Kumar Verma, the chairman of UPRVUP.The matter is already under the scrutiny of the Uttar Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (UPERC). On May 21, the commission issued a notice to the managing director of MVVNL seeking clarification on allegations that smart prepaid meters were tested at the laboratory despite the absence of accreditation under IS 16444 standards.Sources said MVVNL is yet to submit its response to the regulator.“With NABL’s clarification now on record and UPERC awaiting an explanation, pressure is mounting on the utility over the claims made regarding smart meter testing,” added Verma.
