Power Secretary Pushes Smart Meter for PM Surya Ghar Beneficiaries

03 Jul 2024 CW Team

At the 2nd CII Conference on Smart Metering, Power Secretary Pankaj Agarwal called upon advanced metering infrastructure service providers (AMISPs) to ensure the installation of smart meters across all beneficiaries of the PM Surya Ghar initiative. Agarwal stressed the importance of interoperability and data integration among smart meters. He emphasized the need for storage solutions and forecasting models to empower state distribution companies (DISCOMs) in improving demand side management. Agarwal highlighted that the challenges faced by the power sector, such as the financial viability of DISCOMs and integration of renewable energy, must be addressed to realize the Prime Minister?s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

Agarwal mentioned that achieving consumer trust in smart meter adoption is crucial. He stated that consumers must be convinced of the long-term benefits, and implementing agencies should collaborate closely to resolve queries and build trust.

The conference, themed 'Empowering Future: Accelerating Smart Meter Adoption through Innovation and Collaboration,' witnessed participation from officials of the Union power ministry, state governments, regulators, meter manufacturers, service providers, and digital companies.

Arun Mahesh Babu, Managing Director of Gujarat Power Corp and UGVCL, emphasized the necessity of consumer trust in smart meter adoption. He expressed that agencies must work closely with consumers to build confidence in the transition.

Rajiv Ranjan Mishra, co-chairman of the CII National Committee on Power and Managing Director of Apraava Energy, raised concerns about data security. He highlighted the potential benefits of leveraging large data for the benefit of DISCOMs and consumers, emphasizing the importance of handling data with care.

Infrastructure Urban

07 Nov 2025

Welspun Enterprises Wins 910 MLD Panjrapur WTP Contract

Welspun Enterprises (WEL), the infrastructure and energy arm of Welspun World, has secured a major contract from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to design, build and operate a 910 million litres per day (MLD) Water Treatment Plant (WTP) at Panjrapur, Maharashtra.Valued at approximately Rs 31.45 billion, the project encompasses end-to-end civil, mechanical, electrical and instrumentation works, including the construction of a treated water sump and pumping station. Of the total value, nearly Rs 11.56 billion is allocated to Operations & Maintenance (O&M), with an additional..

Mitsubishi Power Wins Boiler Upgrade Contract for O Mon 1 Plant

Mitsubishi Power, a power solutions brand of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, (MHI), has been awarded a contract to support the oil-to-natural-gas fuel conversion at the O Mon 1 Thermal Power Plant in Can Tho, southern Vietnam. As the OEM of the plant’s existing boiler, Mitsubishi Power will supply key equipment—including new gas burners—and implement a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system to reduce NOx emissions and help the plant meet stricter environmental standards.The O Mon 1 facility includes two 330 MW units that commenced operations in 2009 and 2015, with all major equipment or..

Liebherr’s 10,000th XPower Wheel Loader Joins BERGER’s Fleet

BERGER Rohstoffe GmbH has welcomed the 10,000th Liebherr XPower wheel loader to its operations at the Schlag granite quarry in Passau. The milestone machine, officially handed over at Liebherr’s Bischofshofen plant in May 2025, underscores the long-standing partnership between BERGER, Liebherr, and the Beutlhauser Group. Equipped with Liebherr’s signature power-split travel drive, the new L 580 XPower is already delivering strong results under demanding quarry conditions.At the Schlag quarry, BERGER Rohstoffe processes approximately 200,000 tonnes of Bayerwald granite annually into high-qu..