Kerala power minister adopts alternative smart metre model

29 Aug 2023 CW Team

Power Minister K Krishnankutty confirmed on Sunday that there was no disagreement with the Chief Minister over the smart meter project. He stated that the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) had been directed to formulate an alternative smart meter solution, rejecting the TOTEX model that had been collectively dismissed by the Left government in a political context.

Krishnankutty also reached out to the Union Energy Minister, seeking a three-month extension for the smart meter project's implementation. The decision to move away from the TOTEX model was made during a high-level meeting between Krishnankutty and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, prompted by a directive from the CPM Politburo.

The Power Minister revealed that KSEB is working towards introducing the alternative smart meter model within the next three months. Simultaneously, the National Coordination Committee of Electricity Employees and Engineers expressed approval of the state government's decision to abandon the TOTEX model.

Infrastructure Transport

07 Apr 2026

Large Format Store Planned At M G Road Metro Station

M G Road station in Bengaluru is set to host the city’s first large-format commercial and experience space, with planning led by Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited. BMRCL has invited proposals to develop and operate a central business district destination at the Purple?Pink Line interchange. The plan positions the station as a commercial hub designed to serve a broad commuter base across the city. The proposal is part of a broader effort to activate transit nodes commercially. Tender documents set a minimum monthly rental of Rs 0.944 million (mn), inclusive of GST, for the large-format..

Government Cancels Auction Of Eleven Critical Mineral Blocks

The government has cancelled the auction of 11 critical and strategic mineral blocks after receiving a poor investor response and failing to attract a sufficient number of qualified bidders. The decision represents a setback to plans to ramp up domestic exploration and production of critical minerals amid global supply chain disruptions and rising demand for materials used in clean energy and advanced technologies. The mines ministry issued an annulment notice setting out the reasons for the cancellations. The annulment notice indicated that the auction process for five mineral blocks was canc..

Gujarat Pushes Biogas Growth With 193 Operational Units

Gujarat has operationalised 193 biogas plants across the state and is planning to add 60 more units as part of a broader push to scale up clean and sustainable energy solutions. The existing plants, established under various government-supported schemes, process organic waste including cattle dung and agricultural residue to produce biogas and a nutrient-rich slurry. The output is mainly used for cooking and other energy needs in rural and semi-urban communities, while also improving local waste management practices. The Gujarat Energy Development Agency (GEDA) is leading the initiative and is..