February 22, 2013

Mr. B.K. Chaturvedi, Member (Energy), Planning Commission, urged power distribution utilities to work towards expanding electricity metering in rural areas of the country. “It is important for metering to do well in the country as the entire value chain of the power sector depends on realisation of dues from consumers. There is a need for expansion of metering in the rural areas. Even relatively developed States don’t have metering in rural areas” said Mr B.K. Chaturvedi addressing Metering India 2013, the 5th International Seminar organized by the Indian Electrical & Electronics Manufacturers’ Association (IEEMA).

“We have kept the target of 88.5 Giga Watt for power sector in the 12th Five year plan. For achieving this, an investment of 12.5 lakh crore is required in power generation, transmission & distribution. Smart Metering will surely help the power sector, while there is a need to start prepaid metering which will help in avoiding electricity theft.”

“By 2030 the per capita income in India is expected to increase up to $6,000 to 8,000 per annum from current $1,400-1,500 per annum. This will automatically result in increase in demand for power and, therefore, electrical equipment. By 2030 the total power generation requirement in India is expected to grow to 900 to 1,100 Giga Watt” said Mr. Chaturvedi.