The Andhra Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (APERC) has announced amendments to the General Terms and Conditions of Supply (GTCS) to align with updated regulations on smart meters. These changes follow amendments issued by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) regarding the installation and operation of meters in India. The 2019 amendment mandated that all new consumer meters must be smart meters with a prepayment feature, while the 2022 amendment refined the requirement to ensure smart meters operate in prepayment mode in areas with communication networks.
In response to these changes, the Ministry of Power set specific timelines for replacing existing meters with smart meters. Andhra Pradesh’s power distribution companies (APDISCOMs) requested APERC to amend its regulations accordingly. The Commission then published draft amendments on its website and invited public comments. The deadline for submissions was extended based on requests from stakeholders. After reviewing the feedback, APERC finalized amendments to the GTCS to facilitate the smooth rollout of smart meters.
New definitions have been added to the GTCS, including “Smart Meter,” which is defined as a meter conforming to Indian Standard (IS) 16444. A “Prepaid/Prepayment Meter” is described as a smart meter that requires advance payment before electricity usage. The amendments also introduce the concept of “Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI),” which includes smart meters, communication networks, and data management systems enabling two-way communication between utilities and consumers. Another new term is “Advanced Metering Infrastructure Service Provider (AMISP),” referring to entities responsible for owning, operating, and maintaining smart metering infrastructure.
The amendments also update key clauses regarding meter installation and operation. Under the revised Clause 7.1.1, no electricity service will be provided without a proper meter. The distribution licensee must install smart meters that meet the technical requirements of CEA regulations. These smart meters will support two-way communication and work with AMI and Automated Meter Reading (AMR) systems. Consumers can either use a smart meter provided by the distribution licensee or opt to install their own, with rental charges specified in the Tariff Order.
Another key amendment relates to meter reading and data access. Under the updated Clause 7.4.1, smart meters must be read at least once daily. Consumers will be able to access their energy consumption data through online platforms such as websites, mobile apps, and SMS links. Additionally, the distribution licensee must ensure consumer data protection in compliance with CEA guidelines, the Information Technology Act, and other applicable regulations.
These amendments mark a significant step in Andhra Pradesh’s transition to smart metering, which aims to enhance efficiency, reduce losses, and provide consumers with better access to their electricity usage data. By implementing these changes, APERC aligns with national policies promoting smart metering and modernized electricity infrastructure.
