Combining metering components with bidirectional communication architecture enables the measurement of consumption, thus communicating the level of consumption in real time and allowing connection/disconnection via controlled load switches as per the utility’s decision. Additionally, smart meters facilitate the implementation of variable pricing systems in addition to capturing detailed information about consumption and captive generation (if any). As a result of these features, discom utilities are expected to rapidly roll out smart meters in the coming years, given that it helps them reduce their AT&C losses as well as implement time-of-day (ToD) pricing.
Hence, the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has issued smart meter testing guidelines to all utilities, making it mandatory to test smart meters as per relevant standards to ensure their stability, reliability and interoperability, as well as accurate billing. Furthermore, in 2015, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) introduced smart meter testing standards.
Metering standards
The standards introduced by the BIS cover a variety of parameters to ensure the stability, reliability, interoperability and precision of smart meters. Testing is done as per the IS 16444 Part 1 (2015) Amendment 1 and IS 15959 Part 2 (2015) Amendments 1 and 2 for whole current single-phase and three-phase meters, and IS 16444 Part 2 (2017) and IS 15959 Part 3 (2017) for transformer-operated smart meters. The communicability test is done on smart meters as per IS 15959 Parts 2 and 3.
IS 16444 Part 1 was adopted by the BIS in 2015. It encompasses the general requirements and tests for AC static direct connected watt-hour smart meters, Classes 1 and 2. IS 16444 Part 2 was adopted by the BIS in 2017 and covers the general requirements and tests for AC static transformer operated watt-hour and VAR-hour smart meters, Class 0.2S, 0.5S and 1.0S. IS 15959 Parts 1 and 2 were adopted by the BIS in 2011 and 2016 respectively. These standards enable data exchange for electricity meter readings, tariff and load control, and companion specification for static energy meters.
As per the CEA, the technical specifications of single-phase whole current smart meters and three-phase whole current smart meters should include: measurement of electrical energy parameters, integrated load limiting switch/relay, bidirectional communication, recording and reporting, tamper event detection, power event alarms as per IS 16444 Part 1, prepaid features at the MDM end (as per IS 15959 Part 2), remote firmware upgrade, ToD features, net metering features (optional, as per the utility’s requirement), and on-demand reading. The meter shall be BIS marked as per IS 16444 Part 1 and the construction requirements shall be as per IS 16444 or IS 13779.
On the communications side, the meter shall be able to communicate with the head-end system (HES) using any one of the communication technologies included in IS 16444 Part 1 (RF/PLC/cellular), in a secure manner. The meter shall have the ability to record energy under tamper conditions as defined in IS 15959 Part 2, and will log the event and send an alarm to the HES after detection of the defined theft features. The utility or the consumer can inspect the meter randomly as per a sampling plan for an acceptance test based on IS 16444 Part 1.
Testing parameters
A smart meter shall be subject to tests such as metrology tests, load switch capability tests, and data exchange protocol and smart meter communicability tests. Metrology tests comprise acceptance tests and routine tests, in addition to examination of the construction quality and the precision of metering architecture, values displayed, etc. Tests of insulation properties via impulse voltage tests, AC high voltage tests and insulation resistance tests ensure the safety, consistency and reliability of smart meters. Meanwhile, accuracy tests comprise tests on limits of error and interpretation of results, meter consistency, starting conditions, error repeatability, etc. Other tests such as tests of heating, mechanical requirements, electromagnetic compatibility and climatic influences are designed to stress-test the safety, strength and robustness of smart metering equipment in a variety of conditions.
Communication standards
Communication modules for wide area networks/neighbourhood area networks/in-house displays are approved by a designated agency authorised by DoT, and are expected to have Equipment Type Approval as mentioned in the smart meter standards. The standards provide for use of suitable communication technologies in the design of smart meters. However, to assess the communication capability of a smart meter, a few tests, such as testing for end-to-end communication capability and functional requirements, have been identified and included in the relevant smart meter standards.
Recent trends
The Central Power Research Institute also has an accredited smart meter testing facility that has been operational for some years. Moreover, Nany Calibration Laboratory possesses smart meter testing infrastructure. It also conducts periodic tests on site to ensure the compliance and durability of smart meters over their lifetimes.
In October 2021, the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration granted approval to Tata Power’s Mumbai-based testing facility. This vertically integrated entity will help Tata Power provide secure and standard smart meter testing as well as expedite smart meter deployment in areas operated by its discom.
As of now, more than 3.7 million smart meters have been installed throughout India, with plans to install another 100 million by December 2023. There are plans to install approximately 250 million meters for India by 2025. Therefore, it is vital to ensure that the smart meters are tested rigorously in conformance with the highest standards. These installations are also driven by the central government’s Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme with an outlay of Rs 3.3 trillion.
Issues and challenges
There are a variety of challenges in the testing and deployment of smart meters at the technical level. Most of these problems occur at the intersection of meters and communication systems owing to some gap in testing. Examples include lack of communication components in certain installed smart meters, excessive time taken in integrating Advanced Metering Infrastructure with the legacy billing software of state-owned discoms, etc. Other problems pertain to the absence of fundamental standards, leading to interoperability issues. The lack of interoperability leads to problems in interfacing between HES and different meters made by different meter manufacturers. This, in turn, stalls automatic acquisition of meter data and delays operationalisation of prepaid functionality in these meters. Post-Covid-19, the programme is also facing a problem related to shortage of chips on account of supply chain disruptions globally. Thus, many utilities are reconsidering their plans to deploy smart meters given these issues, coupled with the inadequacy of testing facilities. Hence, it is essential for the government and private players to launch smart meter testing facilities throughout India to expedite their testing and enable their deployment with minimal delays.