Are TPWODL smart meters safe and reliable? Tata Power CEO opens up amid protest in Odisha

Amidst severe protests and allegations of excess electric bills, Tata Power authorities have assured that the smart meters are safe and reliable. The smart meters provide real-time data, help detect power theft and ensure accurate billing, said TPWODL CEO Praveen Kumar Verma.

 “The smart meters provide real-time data on electricity usage, help detect power theft and ensure accurate billing. There is no reason for consumers to fear getting cheated. The advanced technology in the meters reduces human error and makes electricity management more efficient,” Verma told media persons after a live demonstration at Meter Testing Laboratory in Burla.

He further said, “The smart meters simply allow us to fetch consumption data of consumers remotely without having to visit their end physically. The data too is encrypted and cannot be modified or manipulated in any way at our end. We want more people to know that the meters are dependable and error-free.”

The smart meters are thoroughly tested at the Meter Testing Laboratory on multiple parameters to ensure adherence to national standards. Apart from the Testing Laboratory in Burla, the state-of-the-art laboratories have also been set-up in Rajgangpur and Bolangir.

The testing was done in the presence of the CEO and senior officials from the company. They later explained how the meters function and are accurate and transparent. The officials further explained that the smart meters would benefit consumers by giving them better control over their electricity usage, reducing billing discrepancies and enabling faster response time during outages or power fluctuations.