The Odisha State Government has approved the first phase of the Chief Minister’s Power Development Scheme, marking a major step toward modernising the state’s power infrastructure. The initiative aims to establish Odisha as the first state in the country to achieve a fully automated metering infrastructure (AMI) roll-out, enabling consumers to manage their electricity consumption digitally and efficiently—at no additional cost.
No Additional Financial Burden on Consumers
Under the scheme, electricity consumers will not face any extra charges from power distribution companies (DISCOMs). The government has clarified that no meter rental fees will be imposed, and the installation of smart meters will not lead to any increase in electricity retail tariffs or monthly power bills.
Officials stated that nearly 0.78 per cent of electricity consumers will receive smart meters without incurring any additional costs, reinforcing the government’s commitment to consumer-friendly reforms.
Four DISCOMs to Implement the Project
The implementation of the project will be administered by four power distribution companies, each operating within their respective licensed areas. The focus will be on both existing circuit upgrades and new electricity connections, ensuring uniform adoption of smart metering technology across the state.
The project will streamline power distribution, improve billing accuracy, and reduce technical and commercial losses.
Smart Meter Demand to Rise After Regulatory Changes
Following recent tariff-related regulatory announcements, consumers with power demand below 2 kW will not be charged for electricity meters for power contracts effective from April 1 of the current financial year. This policy change is expected to significantly increase demand for smart meters across Odisha.
Over 1.15 Lakh Smart Meters Planned in Phase One
As part of the first phase, a total of 115.3 thousand smart meters will be installed across the state. Of these:
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8.75 thousand meters will replace older, conventional meters
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2.78 thousand meters will be installed for new connections
The remaining installations are at various stages of confirmation and deployment, with all meters to be integrated into the automated system.
Boost to Energy Management and Consumer Control
The smart meters will allow consumers to monitor and manage their energy usage using energy management devices, improving transparency and promoting energy efficiency. Real-time data access will also enable quicker fault detection and improved service delivery by DISCOMs.
Aligning Power Reforms with Climate Goals
Beyond infrastructure upgrades, the scheme supports Odisha’s broader climate and sustainability goals. The integration of advanced metering technology will strengthen emission monitoring and reporting systems, aiding in the reduction of Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions.
Officials noted that improved data handling and reporting capabilities will play a key role in achieving net-zero targets, while ensuring efficiency and accountability in energy consumption and emissions management.
A Step Towards a Smarter, Greener Odisha
With the approval of the first phase of the Chief Minister’s Power Development Scheme, Odisha is positioning itself at the forefront of power sector reforms. The initiative promises improved service delivery, consumer empowerment, and a strong push toward sustainable and technology-driven energy management.