Bhubaneswar, Jan 3: The Odisha Government has launched Phase I of the MMSBY Smart Meter Installation Scheme, targeting electricity consumers with up to 2 kW contract demand across the state. The initiative is aimed at benefiting residential households and small commercial establishments by ensuring zero financial burden on consumers.

Energy Department Principal Secretary Vishal Kumar Dev said the government will provide 100 per cent funding for new power connections as well as replacement of old meters under this scheme. Consumers covered under the category will no longer be required to pay meter rent, making the transition to smart meters completely cost-free.

For the financial year 2025–26, the state government has allocated a one-time grant of Rs 735 crore. Of this amount, Rs 428 crore will be utilised to install about 2.78 lakh new smart meters and replace nearly 8.75 lakh existing meters. The remaining Rs 307 crore will be used to offset the unrecovered cost of smart meters installed earlier.

The scheme is expected to enhance billing efficiency, reduce power losses, minimise consumer grievances, and aid better power system planning through real-time data. It will also support rooftop solar adoption and renewable energy initiatives such as PM-KUSUM and PM-Surya Ghar.

While the smart meters will remain the property of the Energy Department, state DISCOMs will be responsible for their operation and maintenance. Proceeds from scrapped meters will be treated as Non-Tariff Income, with DISCOMs required to submit utilisation certificates to ensure transparency.

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