CHENNAI: After completing certain prerequisite legal procedures, Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (TNPDCL) is set to invite bids through global e-tender for the installation of smart meters within a week.
The granting of approval for issuing fresh tenders for the installation of smart meters was discussed as a key agenda at the 128th board meeting of the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board (TNEB) held at the secretariat on Thursday. Following the meeting chaired by TNEB Chairman and Managing Director J Radhakrishnan, senior officials told TNIE certain aspects of the tender are yet to be finalised.
Nearly 3 crore smart meters will have to be installed across the state as per the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) launched by the Union government in 2021.
The state had invited tenders in August 2023, dividing the project into four packages covering different districts. Adani Energy Solutions Ltd (AESL) had emerged as the lowest bidder (L1) in at least one of the packages. However, the tender process was later scrapped since the price quoted by AESL was not acceptable to Tamil Nadu, and the negotiations to revise the price failed.
As this resulted in further delays, Tamil Nadu is racing against the time to implement the project, failing which, the subsidy to be provided by the central government under Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) may be converted into a loan.
During a recent budget session in the Parliament, Minister of State for Power Shripad Naik had informed the Rajya Sabha that out of the 20.33 crore smart meters sanctioned under RDSS, only 99.51 lakh (4.89%) were installed across India.
“As of February 2, no smart meter was installed in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Kerala, Goa, Delhi, Punjab, and several northeastern states. The installation process is expected to be completed by March 31, 2026,” Naik had said.