Sensitization and awareness programme on Smart Prepaid Metering with ULBs of Dimapur Municipal Council, East Dimapur Town Council and Chümoukedima Town Council was held in Dimapur on May 24.
Power Department sensitizes ULBs to create awareness
Dimapur, May 24 (MExN): A sensitization and awareness programme on Smart Prepaid Metering with the Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) of Dimapur Municipal Council, East Dimapur Town Council and Chümoukedima Town Council was held in the State Load Dispatch Centre (SLDC) conference hall, Nagarjan, Dimapur on May 24.
The meeting highlighted that under the Government of India (GOI) initiated RDSS (Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme), two components of works will be implemented in parallel, firstly, 100% smart prepaid metering of consumers and second, Loss Reduction works for the improvement of existing distribution systems across the state.
On this, a press release from, Electrical Division Dimapur, Executive Engineer Lhuvoyi, stated that all the works have been tendered and awarded. Implementation of the works has been initiated. The funding for the system improvement will be contingent to the implementation of the smart prepaid meters and demonstrate a reduction in revenue losses.
Presently, the Department of power Nagaland (DOPN) financial sustainability with 50% billing efficiency has been affecting the operational efficiency to maintain a stable and quality power supply, 24x7, the release stated.
Therefore, to address the power supply distribution system, it is mandatory to address the commercial losses through smart prepaid metering. However, “Resistance from the civil societies and consumers particularly in Dimapur, with the largest consumer concentration and the most revenue-intensive town, remains a huge challenge and impediment for the project implementation,” it stated.
Therefore, during the meeting all the elected councillors were sensitised on the matter and requested to handhold with the Department’s initiative by educating the residential households in their respective wards/colonies.
Earlier, the meeting was chaired by SE (Rev) Er Rukongutuo Suohu. Chief Engineer (D&R) Er Nitovi Wotsa gave a brief introductory on the prepaid system, outlining its purpose and benefits such as improved transparency, efficiency, and consumer control. He emphasised that smart meters would be provided free of cost and urged stakeholders not to miss this key opportunity for modernization.
A PowerPoint presentation on the sensitization programme was made by Addl CE (D& R) & Nodal Officer, Er R Lobosang Jamir.
The meeting resolved to undertake rigorous sensitisation and awareness in all the wards by the Department.
