Agartala (Tripura), July 12: Tripura State Electricity Corporation Limited (TSECL) has decided to modernize State Power sector with a Rs 603 crore push and set a goal to install six lakh smart meters across the state by March 2027. So far, over 88,700 smart meters have been installed in the state.
The announcement was made on Friday (June 11) by the TSECL officials amidst growing concerns among a section of power consumers.
TSECL Managing Director Biswajit Basu stated that the initiative is being implemented under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) of the central government.
Agartala, Tripura: TSECL Managing Director Biswajit Basu says, “Smart meters have three components. One component is the feeder meter. The Ministry of Power (MoP) has started the National Feeder Monitoring System…Finally, we are moving to consumer meters. Consumers will benefit… pic.twitter.com/6RO4vUaPF0
— IANS (@ians_india) July 11, 2025
These smart meters are being installed at the premises of electricity consumers across Tripura.
“So far, approximately 88,750 smart meters have been installed throughout the state,” Basu informed while addressing a press conference.
The TSECL is executing this initiative in conjunction with the RDSS and with financial support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
According to Basu, the smart metering project is part of a larger effort to upgrade the state’s power infrastructure through digital technology.
The smart meters are equipped with automated communication systems that allow remote reading of electricity usage, eliminating the need for manual meter reading.
These meters will enable both TSECL and consumers to access real-time consumption data, thereby improving transparency and efficiency in billing.
“The smart meters will support both prepaid and postpaid billing systems, mobile app-based usage tracking, and prompt detection of faults for faster resolution,” said Basu. The entire project, expected to be completed by March 2027, involves an estimated investment of Rs 603 crore.
However, Basu also highlighted a major concern: poor bill payment rates among consumers.
Out of Tripura’s nearly 10 lakh electricity users, only 49% currently pay their bills, a marginal improvement from 39% last year.
“We’re conducting door-to-door awareness campaigns, urging people to pay their dues. But since we cannot enforce it legally, the challenge remains,” he said.
As of now, the total unpaid electricity bills stand at Rs 450 crore, although all government departments have cleared their dues.
In another major development, Basu announced that a pre-feasibility study is underway for setting up an 800 MW pumped storage power project in the Longthorai Valley of Dhalai district, in collaboration with the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC).
He confirmed that the proposed project has been found to be technically feasible, and a Detailed Project Report (DPR) is being prepared. The estimated cost of the mega project is expected to be between Rs 6,000 and Rs 7,000 crore.
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The smart meter rollout and renewable energy initiatives are part of Tripura’s broader strategy to enhance power reliability, promote digital metering, and strengthen energy infrastructure in the coming years. (Edited)
