Over 14 Million Smart Meters to Be Installed in Rajasthan: Benefits, Costs, and What It Means for Consumers

JAIPUR – The Rajasthan Electricity Department has embarked on a massive project to install 1.42 crore (14.2 million) smart meters across the state. Currently, around 1.5 million meters have already been installed, with engineers going door-to-door to modernize the power distribution system. The key objective of this initiative is to reduce electricity theft, minimize losses, and provide transparent billing to consumers.

What Are Smart Meters and Why Are They Being Installed?
Smart meters are digital, advanced metering devices that record electricity usage in real-time. The data is transmitted directly to the distribution company’s servers, eliminating estimated bills and manual meter readings. The benefits include:

• Accurate billing with no discrepancies
• Reduced need for field staff
• Control over electricity theft and irregularities
• Real-time consumption tracking for consumers via apps or devices

This initiative is considered a major step toward “Smart Billing” and “Smart Electricity Management” in Jaipur and across Rajasthan.

Implications for Solar Consumers
Most solar users will not require a separate meter because bi-directional smart meters record electricity drawn from the grid as well as excess power fed back from solar panels. This enables net metering, allowing bills to reflect the difference between electricity consumed and supplied, making smart meters convenient for households with solar systems.

Who Bears the Cost of Smart Meters?
The installation cost is jointly borne by the Rajasthan government and the central government, with the central government providing a subsidy of approximately ₹900 per meter. Consumers are not directly charged, so there is no additional financial burden.

• Single-phase meters: Around ₹4,000 each
• Three-phase meters: Between ₹7,500 and ₹9,000 each

Will Electricity Bills Increase?
Smart meters do not increase electricity consumption; they only record usage accurately in real-time. Key advantages include:

• Identifying and reducing wastage
• Detecting unnecessary appliance usage
• Ensuring transparency and preventing theft

While some fear higher bills, the apparent increase is actually due to transparent metering, which reflects the true consumption that may have previously gone unnoticed.

Timeline for Completion
The Rajasthan government aims to complete the large-scale installation of smart meters by 2026. Thousands of meters are being installed daily, gradually covering all households across the state.