Smart pre-paid meters to be mandatory by 2023: Tovihoto

November 7, 2021 107 Views No Comment

Staff Reporter DIMAPUR, NOV 7 (NPN) : Advisor for power, H. Tovihoto Ayemi on Saturday said that smart pre-paid metering system will be made mandatory in the state by December 2023.

This was in line with Power ministry’s notification to install prepaid smart meters by December 2023, as part of the first phase under the Revamped Reforms-Based Results-Linked Scheme.

Speaking at the inaugural programme of the upgraded 33/11 KV, 5 MVA to 10 MVA Referral sub-station, at Christian Institute of Health Sciences and Research (CIHSR) Dimapur, Tovihoto said that the prepaid metering system would be beneficial for consumers to track their electricity usage in real time and also and buy power as per their budget.

With the introduction of online payment mode, he said it would not only be time saving but will also do away with erroneous billing.

He therefore, urged the public to be mentally prepared for installation of prepaid metering system.

Tovihoto said that the department has so far installed around 19,000 prepaid meters in the state– 10,000 in Dimapur and 9000 in Kohima.

Stating that it was an achievement for the department to upgrade the sub-station, Tovihoto said that for any development or progress, stable power supply was a prerequisite.

On the issue of frequent load shedding and unstable power supply, Tovihoto maintained that though the government and the department was trying its best to provide better and uninterrupted power supply, non-payment of bills by consumers was a major concern contributing to the huge losses in revenue generation.

The adviser also informed that the department would be launching the official social media page/account to address public grievances and also update consumers about load shedding, or any power related problems.

Addressing the gathering, chief engineer (D&R), Er. Moa Aier sought the cooperation of all so that the department could provide better and uninterrupted services.

With consumers increasing in Dimapur, he said the district would need to upgrade/add a minimum of 50 to 60 MVA substation in the next five years. He also acknowledged CIHSR for providing the space to setup the upgraded sub-station.

Delivering the technical report, Er. Tiameren Walling said that the project which had cost Rs.1.98 crore was taken up under North East Regional Power System Improvement Project (NERPSIP) in 2018 and completed in May 2021.

Chief engineer (T&G), Er Penrithung Yanthan and CIHSR medical superintendent, Dr. Clement Momin also addressed the gathering.

Earlier, the programme was chaired by SE (E) Dimapur Electrical Circle, Er Nitovi Wotsa, and invocation offered by associate pastor Sumi Baptist Church Diphupar, Jacob Achumi while the vote of thanks was delivered EE Dimapur Electrical Division, Er Y Akito Sema.

Source: http://www.nagalandpost.com/smart-pre-paid-meters-to-be-mandatory-by-2023-tovihoto/243979.html