
Metering Billing & Collection


Pivotal Role: MDMS takes centre stage in utilities’ technological transformation
The distribution segment is the weakest link in the power sector value chain and has been reeling under operational and financial distress. Distribution utilities have been facing challenges including high aggregate technical and commercial (AT&C) […]

Smooth Data Flow: Communication technologies for smart meters
Smart meters, with their bidirectional real-time monitoring capabilities, can provide valuable granular insights into consumption levels to both discoms and consumers. Smart meter architecture, capable of bidirectional informational flow in real time, also empowers discoms […]

Modernisation Drive: Smart meter deployment under various government schemes
The central government has undertaken various programmes and initiatives for implementing smart metering across the country. In August 2022, the prime minister launched the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), with an overall outlay of Rs […]

Driving Discom Efficiency: Advanced technologies for better energy and revenue accounting
Metering, billing and collection are crucial areas for distribution utilities as they play a key role in energy accounting and revenue management. Given the deteriorating operational and financial performance of distribution utilities, it is imperative […]

Scaling Up: Utilities aim for widespread smart meter deployment
Metering is a crucial area for distribution utilities as it is the first step towards energy accounting and revenue generation. So far, system and consumer metering has progressed well in the country though some states […]

Making Headway: Expediting smart meter roll-outs under the SMNP
Operational and financial inefficiency in the power distribution segment has been a long-standing challenge. Aggregate technical and commercial (AT&C) losses in the distribution segment currently stand at 22 per cent, as per official estimates (the […]

Smart Transition: Utility experience with new metering technologies
Smart metering has shown immense promise during the Covid-19 crisis. The lockdown did not allow utilities to take meter readings and send accurate bills to consumers, leading to delays and revenue loss. Smart metering solutions […]

Point of Control: Role of MDMS in metering and billing
Meter data management systems (MDMSs) help in the consolidation of data from meters, analyse the data trends from meter readings and resolve issues of meter tampering, outages, theft, etc. Broadly, an MDMS imports the data […]

The Right Choice: Communication technology options available for smart meters
Smart meters are a key element of advanced metering infrastructure (AMI). An AMI system can detect electricity theft and component failure. It also permits remote disconnection and facilitates prepaid metering, which has proven to increase […]


Tracking Consumption: Smart meter deployments under SMNP
The country’s power distribution utilities are grappling with the challenge of high aggregate technical and commercial (AT&C) losses coupled with an increasing power demand. These losses have a significant impact on the operational performance and […]

New Meter Deployments: Utility experience and challenges
The role of metering in India has evolved significantly over the years. Besides helping utilities in energy accounting and revenue management, it plays a crucial role in the reduction of power losses, integration of renewable […]

Accurate Readings: AMR and AMI gain wide acceptability among utilities and consumers
Accurate metering and billing, and better load management are the top priorities for power distribution utilities. Therefore, they have implemented advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) and adopted automatic meter reading (AMR). AMI allows two-way communication with […]

Data Management: Increasing use of MDMS to improve utility operations
With growing technological advancements, consumer meters have become a storehouse of relevant information, allowing utilities to enhance operational efficiency. Meter data management systems (MDMSs) help in consolidating the data from meters. These systems are used […]

Promising Prospects: Net metering could give a boost to rooftop solar uptake
Net metering can play a key role in the uptake of rooftop solar installations. India has a 100 GW solar capacity target by 2022, of which 40 GW is to come from rooftop solar and […]

Quality Check: Testing methodologies and standards for smart meters
Meter testing is done to assess the quality of meters to ensure their reliability. Meeting the established technical and functional standards requires testing to be undertaken at various stages. As meters of different technologies and […]


Big Plans: Metering market overview
After a period of slow growth, the Indian meter market is now witnessing a shift in demand and technology. It is upbeat about the revival of demand backed by various government schemes such as the […]

Advanced Metering: Growing adoption of AMR and AMI
Metering technology has evolved significantly over the past few years, from manual meter reading to automated meter reading (AMR) and further to advanced metering infrastructure (AMI). AMR and AMI are the building blocks of smart […]