MSPDCL clarifies Smart Prepaid Meter concerns, says no difference in consumption

Manipur State Power Distribution Company Limited (MSPDCL) has clarified that there is no difference in electricity consumption between old prepaid meters and Smart Prepaid Meters amid public concerns over higher power usage. The clarification was made during a press meet held at the MSPDCL office in Imphal to address queries regarding the installation and functioning of Smart Prepaid Meters.
Speaking at the press conference, Executive Director (Commercial) Ayekpam Ibotombi clarified reports and rumours alleging higher electricity consumption in Smart Prepaid Meters compared to old prepaid meters. He said MSPDCL had initially installed around 5,000 Smart Prepaid Meters as check meters to verify consumption differences between old and new meters, and found no variation in consumption records between the two systems.
He stated that consumers who suspect unusually high consumption in their Smart Prepaid Meter can lodge complaints with MSPDCL, following which check meters can be installed to verify the readings.
Explaining the need for Smart Prepaid Meters, officials said the Ministry of Power had issued a notification in August 2021 directing replacement of all existing meters with Smart Prepaid Meters under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS). The new meters allow both consumers and MSPDCL officials to access consumption data, balance details and other information through mobile applications and web portals without physically checking the meter.
Officials said the system has improved billing transparency, energy accounting and detection of power theft. Consumers can also monitor sanctioned load, tariff slabs, daily consumption and receive low-balance notifications through the Smart Meter application.
Addressing questions on why Smart Prepaid Meters are currently being installed mainly in Imphal areas, MSPDCL said most prepaid meters in the region were installed between 2012 and 2016 and have already exceeded their guaranteed lifespan of six to seven years. The company said the replacement is necessary as the old meters may begin malfunctioning after prolonged use.
On the issue of automatic disconnection due to overload, MSPDCL stated that under the JERC for Manipur and Mizoram Supply Code Regulations Amendment issued in July 2022, consumers exceeding their sanctioned load will face automatic disconnection. Officials said consumers are allowed up to five instances of exceeding the sanctioned load, after which the connection will shift to temporary disconnection status until the sanctioned load is upgraded.
The press meet was attended by Executive Director (Commercial) Ayekpam Ibotombi, Executive Director (Technical) Kamei Gaikulung, General Manager (Commercial) Ngasepam Kirankumar, General Manager (Planning) Chandramani Mangsatabam, and Project Manager of Polaris, Arambam Chingkhei.