Stable Outlook for Smart Metering Projects in FY26

24 Jan 2025 CW Team

The pace of meter installations in FY25 has been slower than expected, with a forecasted improvement within the next 12 to 18 months. The delay in progress was attributed to developers prioritizing IT infrastructure, the impact of general elections, and consumer reluctance toward installations. However, discoms within Ind-Ra’s rated portfolio have successfully implemented the DDF mechanism, ensuring timely payments for Advanced Metering Infrastructure Service Provider (AMISP) charges through tripartite agreements.

As of January 8, 2025, the RDSS schemes have awarded contracts for 110.6 million meters, with an implementation rate of just 6%. On the other hand, non-RDSS schemes have seen better success, with 2.97 million meters awarded and an implementation rate of 81%. Despite these challenges, the overall technical and commercial losses, which stood at 15.37% in FY23, are expected to decrease with the adoption of smart meters.

The DDF mechanism ensures that payments for AMISP services are safeguarded by a payment gateway, with at least five times the estimated monthly charges available for service providers. Discoms treat these charges as operational expenses, prioritizing them over other costs. However, the regulatory acceptance of these charges has been inconsistent across states.

India’s manufacturing capacity for smart meters is currently around 70 million units annually, with manufacturers expanding capacity by setting up new assembly lines. While progress on installations and regulatory approvals remain crucial, Ind-Ra expects these factors to play a pivotal role in the sector’s performance over the next fiscal year.

India Ratings and Research (Ind-Ra) has upheld a stable outlook for smart metering projects in FY26, primarily supported by the go-live status of most rated projects, the implementation of automated payment systems through the Direct Debit Facility (DDF), government backing, and strong domestic manufacturing capabilities. According to Ind-Ra, debtor days remain within comfortable levels for rated entities. The pace of meter installations in FY25 has been slower than expected, with a forecasted improvement within the next 12 to 18 months. The delay in progress was attributed to developers prioritizing IT infrastructure, the impact of general elections, and consumer reluctance toward installations. However, discoms within Ind-Ra’s rated portfolio have successfully implemented the DDF mechanism, ensuring timely payments for Advanced Metering Infrastructure Service Provider (AMISP) charges through tripartite agreements. As of January 8, 2025, the RDSS schemes have awarded contracts for 110.6 million meters, with an implementation rate of just 6%. On the other hand, non-RDSS schemes have seen better success, with 2.97 million meters awarded and an implementation rate of 81%. Despite these challenges, the overall technical and commercial losses, which stood at 15.37% in FY23, are expected to decrease with the adoption of smart meters. The DDF mechanism ensures that payments for AMISP services are safeguarded by a payment gateway, with at least five times the estimated monthly charges available for service providers. Discoms treat these charges as operational expenses, prioritizing them over other costs. However, the regulatory acceptance of these charges has been inconsistent across states. India’s manufacturing capacity for smart meters is currently around 70 million units annually, with manufacturers expanding capacity by setting up new assembly lines. While progress on installations and regulatory approvals remain crucial, Ind-Ra expects these factors to play a pivotal role in the sector’s performance over the next fiscal year.

Infrastructure Urban

30 May 2026

Panasonic Showcases Connected Display Solutions

Panasonic Life Solutions India showcased its integrated display, projection, broadcast and communication technologies at Panasonic Tech Summit 2026 in New Delhi. Hosted through its System Solutions Division, the two-day event highlighted connected technology solutions for education, healthcare, retail, transportation, corporate offices and entertainment.The summit, themed ‘Turning Technology into Value’, featured experience-led zones covering QSR, retail, transit, corporate offices, healthcare, education, security, projection, home theatre and professional displays. Panasonic also introduc..

Infrastructure Transport

30 May 2026

Kapsch to Deliver India’s First C-ITS Project

"Kapsch TrafficCom will deliver India’s first Cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems project on a key expressway near New Delhi. The project will be implemented with Superwave Communication And Infrasolution Limited to demonstrate how connected mobility can improve road safety and traffic efficiency.The pilot will use real-time connectivity and AI-enabled situational awareness to support road users, especially in high-risk areas such as temporary work zones. Drivers will receive alerts on roadworks, maintenance vehicles, hazardous locations, traffic queues and temporary virtual signage di..

Infrastructure Urban

30 May 2026

Eurobond Net Profit Rises 44 Per Cent

Euro Panel Products, the parent company of Eurobond, reported a 44.13 per cent year-on-year rise in net profit for FY25–26. The company’s revenue from operations grew 18.91 per cent to Rs 503.20 crore, compared to Rs 423.18 crore in the previous financial year.The company’s full-year EBITDA stood at Rs 56.67 crore, marking a 31.82 per cent increase. Profit after tax rose to Rs 26.56 crore, while net worth increased 20.15 per cent to Rs 160.07 crore. Earnings per share for the year stood at Rs 10.84.Divyam Rajesh Shah, Whole Time Director and CFO, Euro Panel Products, said the company’s..