Rajya Sabha (File photo) NEW DELHI: Bihar, Assam and Chhattisgarh are among the frontrunners in the installation of smart electricity meters that provide consumers with near real-time consumption data through mobile applications, along with the convenience of recharge and historical usage graphs for optimisation.According to data tabled by minister of state for power Shripad Naik in Rajya Sabha on Monday, nearly 5.3 crore smart meters have been installed across the country under various schemes till Dec 2025, with Bihar covering over 86% of consumers, Assam 73% and Chhattisgarh 54%. The Centre launched the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) in July 2021 to help states and Union Territories improve the operational efficiency and financial sustainability of distribution utilities and provide quality and reliable power supply. Smart metering of consumers, distribution transformers and feeders was one of the key initiatives under the scheme.In his written reply, Naik said smart metering under RDSS was sanctioned for 45 distribution utilities in 28 states and UTs, covering 19.8 crore consumers, besides over 54.5 lakh distribution transformers and feeders. While 3.9 crore smart meters have been installed under RDSS, states and UTs also ran their respective schemes simultaneously, taking the total number to about 5.3 crore.States that are still lagging behind include Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Maharashtra and Rajasthan, among others.Prepaid smart meters also help power distribution companies make advance revenue collections, resulting in improved efficiency, reduced receivables and enhanced cash flow. The minister said smart metering implementation also contributed, along with other measures, to bring down aggregate technical and commercial losses from 21.9% in FY2021 to 15% in FY2025.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’PM Modi Under Pressure From Trump’: Rahul Gandhi Claims As Trade Deal Debate Paralyses Lok SabhaIndia-US Trade Deal: US Tariff Cut Puts India Ahead Of China, Pakistan, Bangladesh In Trade Race‘I Will Not Bow Down To Hatred’:Uttarakhand Man Who Shielded Muslim Trader Becomes Social Media StarNDA MPs Felicitate PM Modi For India-US trade Deal At Parliamentary Party MeetingCongress Rounds On Govt As Trump Announces India‑US Trade Deal, Urges Full Disclosure To ParliamentMomentous, Strategic: EU Ambassador Signals India FTA And Security Pact To Be Finalised End Of YearIndia-US Trade Deal: Ex-US Trade Rep Mark Linscott Hails Pact Linking World’s Top Economies500% Tariff Threat To Forced Praise: Lindsey Graham Reveals Who Blinked First In India Trade DealDid India-EU FTA Shook Up US? Trump’s Surprise Trade Reset With India Only After Mother Of All DealsLower Tariffs, Bigger Claims, And Russian Oil Pressure: Inside The New India-US Trade Agreement123PhotostoriesThese 5 countries have the most affordable housing and the reason is…Upcoming bikes in February 2026: 6 luxury bikes which are likely to hit the roads in February 2026’Dhurandhar’, Madras Cafe; Bollywood edge-of-the-seat spy thrillers inspired by real terror operationsMahashivratri: 6 Most Famous Temples of Lord Shiva You Can Visit in IndiaA closer look at Bengaluru’s high-speed rail future5 Indian women painters who reshaped modern art and deserve more spotlightDipika Kakar and her mother-in-law get emotional talking about their bond; actress says ‘After everything I went through last year, I’m grateful for today’BTS reunite in style after 5 years and their airport fits deserve a fashion week slot6 protein-packed tikkis to make your sandwiches healthier and heartierPune’s Rs 5,000-cr growth leap: City set to become tech & industry powerhouse123Hot PicksBudget 2026Gold Silver PricesCigarette Prices HikeIndia US TradeIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays February 2026Bank Holidays februaryTop TrendingSuper Bowl HalftimeMLB Trade RumorsGeorge SpringerTom BradyTampa Bay LightningNHL Trade RumorsTop YouTube ChannelsRyan ClarkQuinn HughesJoel Embiid
NEW DELHI: Bihar, Assam and Chhattisgarh are among the frontrunners in the installation of smart electricity meters that provide consumers with near real-time consumption data through mobile applications, along with the convenience of recharge and historical usage graphs for optimisation.According to data tabled by minister of state for power Shripad Naik in Rajya Sabha on Monday, nearly 5.3 crore smart meters have been installed across the country under various schemes till Dec 2025, with Bihar covering over 86% of consumers, Assam 73% and Chhattisgarh 54%. The Centre launched the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) in July 2021 to help states and Union Territories improve the operational efficiency and financial sustainability of distribution utilities and provide quality and reliable power supply. Smart metering of consumers, distribution transformers and feeders was one of the key initiatives under the scheme.In his written reply, Naik said smart metering under RDSS was sanctioned for 45 distribution utilities in 28 states and UTs, covering 19.8 crore consumers, besides over 54.5 lakh distribution transformers and feeders. While 3.9 crore smart meters have been installed under RDSS, states and UTs also ran their respective schemes simultaneously, taking the total number to about 5.3 crore.States that are still lagging behind include Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Maharashtra and Rajasthan, among others.Prepaid smart meters also help power distribution companies make advance revenue collections, resulting in improved efficiency, reduced receivables and enhanced cash flow. The minister said smart metering implementation also contributed, along with other measures, to bring down aggregate technical and commercial losses from 21.9% in FY2021 to 15% in FY2025.
