News & Announcement
Power Department conducts Electrical Safety and Smart Prepaid Meters Awareness Programme
Pakyong, 10 September (IPR): In a significant initiative aimed at promoting responsible electricity consumption and fostering safety awareness, the Power Department organised an awareness programme focused on electrical safety, energy conservation, and the implementation of smart prepaid meters. The programme took place at the Facilitation Centre in Rangpo, today.
The programme served as a vital platform for engaging the community on essential topics regarding electrical safety and energy conservation, ultimately paving the way toward a more informed and responsible energy-consuming populace.
The main point of the discussion was the smart meter, an advanced electronic device designed with cutting-edge two-way communication capabilities. This technology enables automatic collection of meter readings, thereby ensuring that consumers are billed solely for the electricity they have consumed. This innovative approach has significant implications for both households and businesses, as it not only facilitates potential savings but also promotes mindful energy usage, encouraging users to think critically about their consumption patterns. Unlike traditional billing methods, smart meters do not inflate electricity bills; rather, they empower consumers by providing insights that could lead to more economical energy practices.
Another advantage of smart meters is their ability to deliver accurate and error-free billing, effectively eliminating the need for cumbersome manual interventions that can often lead to discrepancies and frustration. Importantly, the fundamental method of measuring electricity consumption remains unchanged, as both the traditional static electronic meters and the newly implemented smart meters utilise the same measurement principles.
Mr Tashi Dadul Bhutia, in his address, outlined the central objectives of these awareness camps, which have been initiated in accordance with directives from both the Government of India and the state government. He stated, "The Energy and Power Department is keen to educate the public about the installation of smart prepaid meters, emphasising their applicability for both domestic use and commercial enterprises." His detailed explanation of smart prepaid meters illuminated how they function and the potential cost savings they present to consumers, making the prospect of transitioning to a smart energy system far more appealing.
Mr Bhutia elaborated upon the recharging process for these prepaid meters and revealed the evolution of smart meter technology in India since its inception in 1999. His remarks highlighted that digital innovation would lead to a highly streamlined effort for consumers, minimising their involvement in the administrative side of energy management.
Additionally, he noted that vital safety checks would be implemented during the installation of these devices. Under the government's initiative to extend 100 free units of energy to rural residents, a robust system will be in place to ensure these benefits are easily credited to consumer accounts. However, he cautioned that after exhausting these free units, consumers would need to recharge their accounts to maintain uninterrupted access to electricity.
In alignment with the Chief Minister's vision for reliable and consistent power delivery, Mr Bhutia reaffirmed the department's dedication to realising the goals of the 'BiPaSa' initiative, which aims to ensure uninterrupted power supply across the region.
Furthermore, Mr Rajendra Gupta, SE Rangpo, urged attendees to embrace the shift to smart prepaid meters. He expressed optimism that the raised questions during the programme were effectively addressed and encouraged participants to aid the department in disseminating knowledge about these advanced energy solutions. His call for community involvement in promoting technological adoption underscores the importance of collaboration in enhancing efficiency and sustainability in energy consumption.
The presentation also featured insights from Mr Jigmee Bhutia, DE Gangtok, who advocated for increased public awareness regarding power generation and overall energy production. He touched upon essential topics such as transmission and distribution of power while highlighting the state government's strategic efforts to lower power supply rates. His recommendations included opting for appliances that carry Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) ratings, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of power consumption management.
Additionally, he outlined necessary safety measures, emphasising the importance of conscientious energy practices that benefit both consumers and the environment.
The programme was attended Zilla Panchayat, Panchayat President,
Mr PS Tiwari,Chief Engineer,Pakyong District; Mr.Suraj Pradhan, Additional Chief Engineer, Pakyong District; Mr PC Subba, Additional Chief Engineer, Head Office; Ms Sarda Tamang,DE,Head Office; Ms Panu Hangma Subba,DE Rangpo; SHO Rangpo, Officials of the line Department and local residents.
The programme served as a vital platform for engaging the community on essential topics regarding electrical safety and energy conservation, ultimately paving the way toward a more informed and responsible energy-consuming populace.
The main point of the discussion was the smart meter, an advanced electronic device designed with cutting-edge two-way communication capabilities. This technology enables automatic collection of meter readings, thereby ensuring that consumers are billed solely for the electricity they have consumed. This innovative approach has significant implications for both households and businesses, as it not only facilitates potential savings but also promotes mindful energy usage, encouraging users to think critically about their consumption patterns. Unlike traditional billing methods, smart meters do not inflate electricity bills; rather, they empower consumers by providing insights that could lead to more economical energy practices.
Another advantage of smart meters is their ability to deliver accurate and error-free billing, effectively eliminating the need for cumbersome manual interventions that can often lead to discrepancies and frustration. Importantly, the fundamental method of measuring electricity consumption remains unchanged, as both the traditional static electronic meters and the newly implemented smart meters utilise the same measurement principles.
Mr Tashi Dadul Bhutia, in his address, outlined the central objectives of these awareness camps, which have been initiated in accordance with directives from both the Government of India and the state government. He stated, "The Energy and Power Department is keen to educate the public about the installation of smart prepaid meters, emphasising their applicability for both domestic use and commercial enterprises." His detailed explanation of smart prepaid meters illuminated how they function and the potential cost savings they present to consumers, making the prospect of transitioning to a smart energy system far more appealing.
Mr Bhutia elaborated upon the recharging process for these prepaid meters and revealed the evolution of smart meter technology in India since its inception in 1999. His remarks highlighted that digital innovation would lead to a highly streamlined effort for consumers, minimising their involvement in the administrative side of energy management.
Additionally, he noted that vital safety checks would be implemented during the installation of these devices. Under the government's initiative to extend 100 free units of energy to rural residents, a robust system will be in place to ensure these benefits are easily credited to consumer accounts. However, he cautioned that after exhausting these free units, consumers would need to recharge their accounts to maintain uninterrupted access to electricity.
In alignment with the Chief Minister's vision for reliable and consistent power delivery, Mr Bhutia reaffirmed the department's dedication to realising the goals of the 'BiPaSa' initiative, which aims to ensure uninterrupted power supply across the region.
Furthermore, Mr Rajendra Gupta, SE Rangpo, urged attendees to embrace the shift to smart prepaid meters. He expressed optimism that the raised questions during the programme were effectively addressed and encouraged participants to aid the department in disseminating knowledge about these advanced energy solutions. His call for community involvement in promoting technological adoption underscores the importance of collaboration in enhancing efficiency and sustainability in energy consumption.
The presentation also featured insights from Mr Jigmee Bhutia, DE Gangtok, who advocated for increased public awareness regarding power generation and overall energy production. He touched upon essential topics such as transmission and distribution of power while highlighting the state government's strategic efforts to lower power supply rates. His recommendations included opting for appliances that carry Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) ratings, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of power consumption management.
Additionally, he outlined necessary safety measures, emphasising the importance of conscientious energy practices that benefit both consumers and the environment.
The programme was attended Zilla Panchayat, Panchayat President,
Mr PS Tiwari,Chief Engineer,Pakyong District; Mr.Suraj Pradhan, Additional Chief Engineer, Pakyong District; Mr PC Subba, Additional Chief Engineer, Head Office; Ms Sarda Tamang,DE,Head Office; Ms Panu Hangma Subba,DE Rangpo; SHO Rangpo, Officials of the line Department and local residents.