The Tamil Nadu government has relaunched its initiative to install 1.7 crore smart electricity meters across 24 municipal corporations, a move designed to replace manual meter reading with automated systems. The Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation (TNPDCL) has officially invited tenders for seven distinct packages to facilitate the deployment of these SIM-enabled devices, which are capable of providing real-time consumption data and automating the billing process. Of the total allocation, 56.85 lakh meters are designated for the Chennai region.
This project is being executed under the Union government's Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme. Beyond consumer-facing meters, the plan includes the installation of 4.72 lakh smart meters on distribution transformers, intended to track energy losses and identify instances of electricity theft. Officials noted that the new infrastructure will also enable remote disconnection capabilities for accounts with outstanding payments.
Previous efforts to implement this technology were suspended following low bidder participation and concerns regarding the project's high costs. The state's current strategy builds upon a pilot program previously conducted in T Nagar, where 1.29 lakh smart meters were installed as part of the smart city initiative.
Despite the government's push, the plan has encountered political resistance. P. Shanmugam, the state secretary of the CPI(M), has voiced strong opposition to the rollout. He warned that the implementation of these smart meters could weaken state control over the TNPDCL and eventually pave the way for the privatization of the power sector.
